"I will never allow illegal mining in the state. In this task I am even ready to sacrifice my chair," Yeddyurappa, who recently slapped a ban on iron ore exports and issue of permit, told a gathering at Navavalli village where he inaugurated several development works.
Illegal mining had been going on in the state over the last 12 years and did not commence during his rule, said Yeddyurappa, who has come under attack from opposition Congress and Janata Dal-Secular on the issue.
He said he has already met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek ban on export of iron ore and added that the Centre was contemplating establishing an Authority to regulate exploitation of minerals.
He hit out at the Congress for undertaking a 320-km 'Bellary chalo padayatra' against his government and said "nobody can topple my government".
Image: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa