Bhubaneswar, March 19 (IANS) More than 9,000 tonnes of iron ore were seized in Orissa's Mayurbhanj district in a crackdown on illegal mining, officials said Friday.

Police and forest officials made the seizure from a forested area in Bhoshrakacha Thursday. Over 20 trucks and dumpers engaged in mining and loading the iron ore were also seized.

In another case, two people involved in illegal mining were held in Keonjhar district, about 230 km from here, Superintendent of Police Ashish Singh said.

Investigations into illegal mining after politicians complained that some mines were being operated without licenses.