PANJIM: In what could be a major hindrance to the State government’s plans to handle iron ore dumps, the Supreme Court is yet to consider the Expert Committee’s recommendations allowing handling of these rejects. Further, the sub-grade ore and waste dumps within the leasehold area cannot be touched as such dump dddddhandling has been banned by the Apex Court through an order dated April 21, 2014, which is still in force.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had in May announced that a Mining Dump Policy would be unveiled within six months, to allow e-auction of the piles of low-grade ore, as a first step towards resumption of the mining industry.
A senior official informed Herald that the Mines Department is studying the matter and any decision would be taken in consultation with the Chief Minister.
The official said that the Supreme Court, through its judgment dated April 21, 2014 had constituted a six-member Expert Committee to study how mining dumps in Goa should be dealt with. “Though, the committee submitted its report in early 2015, allowing handling of dumps, the report is yet to be considered by the Court,” the official said.
He added, “As such the dump material cannot be touched till the issue is finally decided by the Supreme Court, that has banned dump handling.”
The official said the ownership of dumps always rests with government, who is owner of all minerals found within the State.
Meanwhile, pending the drafting of the Mining Dump Policy for handling of these rejects, Mines Department will conduct a ground assessment of the existing iron ore dumps to determine its grade and quantity. “The assessment will help the department to know the exact quantity and quality of ore lying in the form of dumps. It will also give a fair idea as to how much of this ore can be handled,” the official said.
He further said that by now, in most cases, the dumps will be covered with vegetation and acacia and casuarina plantations and to handle this ore, the department will have to seek Forest Clearance (FC) apart from the Environment Clearance (EC) to handle the dump.
