Goa mining ban: Sesa Mining asks workers not to report to duty

Sesa Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL), a Vedanta Group company, has asked all its workers and staffers in Goa not to report for duty with immediate effect in view of the Supreme Court ban on the mining activity.

SMCL, one of the biggest players in iron ore mining in Goa, has several hundred people working on its mining leases in the coastal state.

In a notice, SMCL has asked all its employees "not to report to duty at the mines with immediate effect until further notice".

"As you are aware that the SC by its order dated February 7 has asked for the stopping of all the mining operations with effect from March 16.

"Also Director of Mines and Geology have directed us to stop extraction of ore and in further communication has directed us to take care of only dewatering, safety and security of mines till further instruction," reads the notice.

It is beyond the control of the company to continue the operations of the mines considering the SC judgement, it said.

"Hence employees have been adviced not to report for duty at mines with immediate effect until further notice," it added.

In its order, the apex court quashed 88 mining leases in Goa, leading to closure of the mining industry in the state since March 15.

Mining stake-holders and the people dependent on the iron ore extraction are hit hard by the ban.

Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari yesterday said the government would seek the opinion of the attorney general on the mining ban.