Goa govt allows mining firms to take up safety measures

Goa government has allowed mining firms to carry out monsoon safety preparedness, mandatory for the safety of people living around the mining leases area, although ore extraction activities have been stopped following a Supreme Court order.
State Mines and Geology Director Prasanna Acharya in a recent circular has said that the department has no objection if safety measures are taken by various mining lease holders under the guidance of directorate of mines safety.
Goa has 90-odd working mining leases which remain non-operational following the apex court order suspending the extraction and export of the ore.
Acharya pointed out that the SC, through its order dated March 19, 2013, has made it clear that the court's earlier order (stopping the mining exports) will not come in way of safety measures undertaken - involving pumping out of water from the mines and other safety steps.

The director said that various mining firms had approached his office seeking NOC to take up safety work ahead of monsoons.
"My office has no objection if safety measures are undertaken by the mining lease holders under the guidance of Directorate of mines safety," he said.