Team Herald
PORVORIM: The Goa Cabinet on Wednesday granted nod to neighbouring States to export their iron ore through the Mormugao Port. The decision will help government generate additional revenue by way of Rs 50 per ton cess, processing fees and other incidental revenue opportunities.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led cabinet approved amendment to the relevant provisions of the Goa (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Storage and Transportation of Minerals) Rules, 2013 to allow import of ore from other States for export purposes through the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
According to the cabinet note, the State government received representation from stakeholders requesting to allow them import of iron ore from Karnataka by road or railways specifically for export from MPA. Presently, ore is being imported from Karnataka to Goa for domestic consumption only.
“This will generate additional revenue to the government by way of Rs 50 per ton cess, processing fees and other incidental revenue opportunities. This will also generate economic and employment opportunity. Further this will boost export from MPA,” the cabinet proposal reads.
As per the proposal, the import of ore from other State for export would be tracked by Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) through an online system called Bhumija, which currently regulates movement of ore imported for domestic consumption by issue of import permit and transit permit.
The government has assured to have checks and balances in place to ensure that there is no pilferage of iron ore imported from other States to Goa.