Mineral foundation's corpus to help people affected by mines

Goa"s Directorate of Mines and Geology has invited applications from people affected by the closure of mines to avail benefits from the state's District Mineral Foundation (DMF), the corpus of which has been collected through taxes paid by mining firms.

"DMF "has been established for both districts in Goa to work for the benefit of people and areas affected by mining," a state government spokesperson was quoted in an official release.

"A sum of Rs 180.33 crore has been collected for the DMF corpus. North Goa district accounts for Rs 93. 84 crore and South Goa Rs 86.49 crore of this," the official said.

The DMF is tasked with working for the benefit of those employed in the mining industry and also to restore areas damaged by mining, the spokesperson said.

"DMF works to provide compensation in case of loss of life or property due to a wildlife attack or natural disasters. It works for afforestation and soil conservation in the mining impact zones, soil rejuvenation of agricultural land, and fodder development," the official said.