BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a Vigilance probe into illegal mining operations worth Rs 39 crore in Sundargarh district’s Hemagiri and Koida tehsils.ASpecial Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter.The action follows Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena’s recent site inspection and subsequent report to the chief minister. “We will ensure all culprits face legal consequences, regardless of their position,” Minister Jena told reporters.Initial investigations reveal unauthorized extraction of 9,843 metric tonnes of coal, valued at ₹2 crore, from 22 mines in Hemagiri tehsil. The illegal mining operations span across three villages: Gopalpur (14 mines), Ratnasora (3 mines), and Bhogarakachhar (5 mines). Officials have also discovered illegal coal storage facilities in Jamakhani reserved forest.In Koida tehsil, authorities uncovered illegal extraction of manganese and iron ore from 50 mines across five villages. The operation involved removal of 20,000 metric tons of manganese ore and 1,200 metric tons of iron ore, estimated at Rs 37 crore.The Vigilance department has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the scam.The illegal mining activities primarily targeted forest lands, raising concerns about environmental damage alongside financial losses. The investigation continues.