In a major relief to miners, Goa revokes 2012 mining ban

Panaji: In a major move, Goa government withdrew a 2012 order which halted mining operations in the state, setting the stage for resumption of the activity whose closure had crippled once bustling industry. [caption id=“attachment_2033953” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Reuters[/caption] The Directorate of Mines and Geology in its order has mentioned that the order dated 10 September 2012 stood suspended. The suspension had affected the livelihood of lakhs of people in the state who are dependent on mining and revocation of the order brings the much-needed cheer to the industry. The order to suspend mining had been issued by the then chief minister and current Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, which was later confirmed by the Supreme Court in its judgement. As per the government data, there are 75 mining leases which are valid, provided they are approved by the Mines and Geology department. The withdrawal order, which was updated on the department’s website, reads: “the state government has taken a policy decision to process renewal applications of mining leases in terms of provision under section 8(3) of MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development Regulation) Act and has accordingly started processing renewal applications. “And whereas the government is of considered view that the continuance of the order dated September 10, 2012 is not required. As such Government of Goa hereby revokes order with immediate effect.” The mining industry in the state hit a roadblock when the Justice MB Shah inquiry commission had pointed out that illegal mining worth Rs 35,000 crore has happened in the state from 2007 onwards. The Supreme Court had imposed the ban on mining which it lifted in April last year. The SC had asked the state government to follow proper procedures and renew the mining leases afresh. PTI