Indian miners return to work

Thousands of miners in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan were allowed back to work after a court lifted a ban on mining operations there.

The government had suspended operations in more than 600 mines, following a court order for their closure. The order, which followed a petition filed by an environmental activist, said mining was damaging the environment in the mountains.

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister representing the region, sought the intervention of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The ruling was reversed, and all existing mines resumed operations in mid-December.

As a concession to environmentalists, mining firms are forbidden to open any new mines.

Rajasthan has a range of mineral deposits including zinc, lead, silver, copper, gypsum and cadmiums as well as marble. Unemployment in the state is high and has been aggravated by a recent drought.