The Karnataka government has rejected KIOCL Limited's proposal to explore iron and manganese ore in the Haddinapade iron ore block, located in the Swamimalai Forest Block of Sandur district. The decision follows concerns over the area's rich biodiversity, including medicinal plants and wildlife, as it is classified as a "virgin/primary" forest. KIOCL had initially proposed drilling 81 boreholes, which was later reduced to six after scrutiny from the forest department. The rejection aims to protect the ecological integrity of the 434.7-hectare forest area from potential mining impacts.