The Karnataka High Court issued notices to the Centre, state government and mining companies on a PIL seeking handing over of mining operations to government-owned undertakings. The petition submitted that mineral wealth belongs to the entire nation and it was the bounden duty of the government to protect the natural resources. The private mining companies had been exploiting natural resources, petitioner Arun Agarwal submitted before aBench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice Abdul Nazir, which ordered issuing of notices. Meanwhile, continuing his arguments on a batch of writ petitions filed by 22 mine owners challenging the state's order banning export of iron ore and suspension of issue of transport permits, Advocate General Ashok Haranahally submitted the state had powers to ban exports under the Mines and Minerals Regulation (Development) Act.