Karnataka High Court has upheld the order of the state Government to ban export of iron ore from the state. A Division bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice Abdul Nazeer also dismissed the writ petitions filed by mine owners against the ban. Chief Justice said that the State Government must take about six months to put in place the regulating activities connected with mining of iron ore. He directed the Government to expedite the implementation of the measures for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of iron-ore in Karnataka. He ,however causioned that if the State government fails to implement the measures, within a reasonable time, the intention of the State government may itself be subject to suspicion. He said after the regulatory measures have been put in place, the State government should ensure that no illegal mining related activities are carried out in the State. And, in case there is any lapse, the blame must squarely rest on the shoulders of the State government.Karnataka is the nation's second-biggest producer of iron ore. The state banned exports of the steel making ingredient from 10 ports and halted its transport for overseas shipments in July.Vice Chairman of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries reacted Basant Poddar, said they will appeal in Supreme Court, as the ban has caused losses to mine owners upto 8000 crores rupees as 12 metric tonne of ore remains unsold. In 2009-10 Karnataka produced 49 metric tones of Iron ore and exported 18 metric tones.