Mining lease renewal process to start in October: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday stated that the mining lease renewal process would commence from October.

“The government plans to start process for renewal of mining leases from October onwards. I won't be able to give you the exact number. But the miners have to complete other requirements too, including environment clearances and necessary formalities with the Indian Bureau of Mines,” Parrikar told Business Standard.

Parrikar, who was in Mumbai to address Bharatiya Janata Party rallies for the Maharashtra Assembly election, said he expected the actual mining to start from January 2015 onwards. This, in part, was due to the low global ore prices prevailing currently.

Parrikar, however, completely ruled out the auctioning of mining leases. He said that the state cabinet had already approved a policy for renewal of iron ore leases by exercising powers under Section 8(3) of the Mines and Mineral Regulation and Development (MMRD) Act, 1957. The policy envisages renewal of mining leases of those who have already paid stamp duty. Auctioning of leases is not a route prescribed in the MMRD Act, Parrikar said.

The Goa government has already clarified that those found with substantial violations of various laws and regulations would face rejection of renewal claim.