Goa's mining industry body warns of lay-offs; seeks govt clarity

Goa's mining industry body GMOEA today sought clarity from the government on the commencement of mining operations in the state, warning that failure to do so could amount "harsh decisions", including layoffs in the sector.

However, GMOEA--the body representing the mine owners in Goa- ruled out any immediate job losses in the mining sector on account of Supreme Court quashing the second renewal of iron ore mining leases in the state.

"Companies are concerned and do not want to take any harsh decisions, including job layoffs and to ensure that it does not reach that point," Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) President Ambar Timblo told PTI here.

"The industry is eagerly awaiting clarity from the government as to how and when mining operations may commence," he said.

As many as 88,000 to 89,000 workers are employed in the mining industry in Goa, Timblo said. "As companies, nobody wants to remove anybody as of now."