1. Whether determination of mining lease is valid and in accordance with the Rules is the point falling for consideration in the Writ Appeal.

2. Order of District Collector, Salem District directing the Appellant to pay Rs.1,85,17,400/- towards cost of mineral excavated during the period from 21.07.1998 to 11.04.2000 and to sell the stock of 1564 M.Ts. of Magnesite in public auction is the subject matter arising for determination in the Writ Petitions.

3. Since common issues are involved in the Writ Appeals and Writ Petitions, both Writ Appeals and Writ Petitions shall stand disposed by this common Judgment. After the filing of Writ Petitions, original lessee Munusamy Chetty died and his legal representatives K.M. Kamala, K.M. Ramakrishnan, K.M. Govindarajan, K. Sugunakumari, Minors K. Radha and K. Vivek were impleaded in the Writ Appeals and Writ Petitions respectively.

4. Initially, mining lease of Kondappanaickenpatty village, Salem Taluk was granted to one Ramappa on 08.10.1955 and with the permission of Government, the said lease was transferred to Munusamy Chetty. Magnesite is magnesium carbonate, MgCO3. Iron (as Fe2+) substitutes for magnesium (Mg) with a compl