Goa: New mining policy bans fresh extraction of ore, for now

Panaji: Goa government’s new mineral policy has banned fresh excavation of iron ore till an expert panel determines the optimum level of fresh mining that can be undertaken in this mineral rich coastal state. The Goa Mineral Policy, which was notified last Saturday, mentions that it would take three months for the study to complete, after which the level of fresh mining can be decided by Goa Mines and Geology Department.  "The state government has communicated with the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to determine and recommend the optimal level of fresh mining that can be undertaken in Goa," states the policy. “Pending this study which is requested to be completed within three months, no fresh proposal for environmental clearances and no fresh production of iron ore from existing mines shall take place,” it adds. This ban will not affect the movement of already extracted and staked or stocked ore at the mine head or jetty and of which inventory has already been taken by the Director of Mines and Geology. The iron ore mining in Goa has been temporarily on hold following the directives of the Supreme Court which has taken cognisance of the illegal mining in the state. The case is currently being heard in the court. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the policy could be submitted to the court during the hearing or may be mentioned in the affidavit by the government. The policy has also banned issuance of fresh mining leases till the NEERI study is completed. The document mentions that the state will not exceed exports more than 45 million tons. “Goa shall impose an ad-hoc limit of total of 45 million tons of total ore transportation on public roads, including dumps subject to local limits based on transport carrying capacity of the roads,” the policy reads. This limit will be reviewed periodically as and when dedicated mining transport corridor is made available or carrying capacity of the road is enhanced, it further adds. The policy allows the mineral rejects which are piled in the form of dumps to be exported. PTI