Proceedings vide letter No.M&S/BAR-BENF/IBC/11, dated 9-11-2011 of the respondent, whereby it has rejected the request of the petitioner for supply of low grade (C+D+Waste) varieties of Barytes as per the rates fixed under agreement dated 18-6-2008, is assailed in this Writ Petition.

2. The facts leading to the filing of the Writ Petition are as follows:

By G.O.Ms.No.27, Industries & Commerce (M-III) Department, dated 7-1-1974, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has reserved exploitation of Barytes mineral exclusively for the public sector. Such exploitation by the respondent and other companies permitted by it has left huge quantity of dumps containing low grade mineral deposited in the area around Mangampet, in which the mining area is located. As the accumulated low grade mineral has posed serious ecological and environmental problems, proposal for setting up beneficiation plants was mooted. Accordingly, the respondent has issued notification dated 28-7-2006 inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) for establishment of the plants under joint venture to beneficiate the low grade Barytes. Four companies, including the petitioner, have responded to the said notification. Thr