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 mountains, and followed a petition filed by an environmental activist.

According to the state government, permanent closure would lead to 700,000 job losses and the state would lose revenues of more than $100m ($63.6m).

The state chief minister Ashok Gehlot is now seeking the intervention of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Suffering industry

Mr Gehlot said the decision would affect industries not only in Rajasthan, but also in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab.

Rajasthan has a range of mineral deposits including zinc, lead, cadmium as well as marble and other precious and semi-precious stones.

Unemployment in the state is already running high, and has been aggravated by the recent drought.

"The ban would badly hit the ceramic industries as its raw material comes from the Aravali hill mines," said Rajendar Agarwal of the state ceramic society.

Appealing

Rajasthan is the largest producer of ceramics in the country.

The Marble Association is also considering a movement against the decision, thought to be the first time that the mining of minerals has been banned in India.

The court has asked the state government to file an implementation report on its order.

The case will be heard by the court on December 16.