Mines shut in Indian state

The government of the mineral-rich western Indian state of Rajasthan has suspended operations in more than 600 mines, following a court order for their closure.

The order said that mining was damaging the environment in the Aravali mountains, where the mines are based.

The state government has appealed to the prime minister to intervene, saying if the mines were closed permanently, the state would lose more than $100m in revenue - and nearly 700 thousand people would lose their jobs.

The case comes before a court early next week.

Rajasthan is rich in mineral deposits, which include zinc, lead, cadmium, marble, and precious and semi-precious stones.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service