Goa govt clears mining policy; stalled ops set to resume

The Goa government today cleared the much-awaited mining policy promising lifting of the temporary suspension on mining operations in the state on case-wise basis and also ruling out auctioning of leases.
With the policy deciding to grant leases to their earlier owners on a case-to-case basis, it is expected to open doors for the iron ore extraction activity in the coastal state, which has been on hold since last two years following directives by the Supreme Court.
The policy, which is an amendment to the existing policy, was passed by the Manohar Parrikar cabinet in its meeting held here this afternoon.

The current policy, shaped on the lines with directives of the apex court which has lifted the ban on the industry with certain conditions, is viewed as a major respite to the existing mine owners.
During his interaction with reporters, Chief Minister Parrikar ruled out auctioning of leases "as such an act (auctioning) is not permitted under the Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act 1957".
"The leases would be granted to the earlier owners on case-to-case basis in the best interest of mineral development. Also, the temporary suspension on the mining operation imposed by the state government in September 2012 will also be lifted on case to case basis," the chief minister told reporters.

Parrikar said that signing of mining leases would begin from October 15 and 15-20 leases would be given permission in the first phase.
Though the policy has been paved way for resumption of mining leases, the miners will have to go through rigorous pollution control measures while operating leases, he said.
"The state government expects to generate annual revenue of Rs 3000 crore from the mining industry," he added.