PANJIM: Asserting that Goa mining is a "very complex" issue, Union Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi on Monday said that the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by the Central government to study the mining matter, will submit its report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing out steps it could explore to resume iron ore activities in the State. 

The report, the Minister added, will also deliberate on all those major iron ore mines, which would be shut in the country from March 31, 2020. 

Joshi, who was in Goa, held a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the mining issue. Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar was also part of the meeting. 

Emerging out of the meeting, Joshi said that the Prime Minister has insisted that an early decision should be taken on the issue of starting mining in Goa and that they will be submitting a report to him suggesting the solutions for the same. "We have not yet decided when to submit the report but it will be submitted at the earliest," he said. 

The Iron Ore mining activity has come to a standstill since March 2018 affecting livelihood of around two lakh people. The mines were closed after the Supreme Court quashed 88 mining leases in the State.

Talking to reporters after meeting, Sawant said that the central government is positively working towards resuming the mining activity. “GoM will submit its report to the Prime Minister, before which Union Minister will review the report on September 11. GoM has been meeting frequently over the issue and has prepared a detailed report,” he said.

Sawant added that the Goa government has given their inputs to be embedded in the report, which are being considered on priority.  “They are treating Goa’s case differently and solution will be worked out by November this year.  The Minister has also assured to give us some solution by November,” Chief Minister said. 

Earlier while addressing media persons, Joshi said that after Supreme Court 2018 judgment, the Goa mining issue has became very complex. 

"Goa mining is a very complex issue. To address this complex issue and restart mining activities in Goa, GoM is been constituted under Rajnath Singh, with Home Minister Amit Shah also part of the committee," he said. 

"We are very...very positive of coming out with a workable solution soon. Not just on Goa matter but also on those mines, which will be shut in 2020. GoM is working in positive direction.  Decision will be taken after considering all pros and cons," the Minister added.