Goa industrial body expects mining to restart from August

Iron ore mining in Goa is expected to begin by August this year, an industry body said today. "We feel that mining will begin by August this year. The Supreme Court has given indications in that direction," Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Manguirish Pai Raikar told reporters today.

The Supreme Court order in the case of the Karnataka mining industry is enough indication that same procedure would be adopted in allowing iron ore mining industry in Goa, he said.

"The court had asked to categorise mining and mines which are perfectly legal. These were allowed to restart. We expect the same thing to happen in Goa's case as well," he said.

Goa's mining industry came to a standstill since last year, after allegations of illegal mining in the state.

While temporarily banning exports and extraction of the iron ore in Goa, the SC had asked a Centrally Empowered committee (CEC) to investigate claims of illegal mining.

The GCCI has claimed that it was the first to blow the whistle over illegal mining when they had demanded action against illegal miners, two years ago.

Raikar said that if any GCCI member is found to be involved in illegal mining, his membership will automatically cease to exist, as per the organisation's constitution.