MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Central Government seems to be firm on its stand that iron ore mining leases in Goa should go for e-auction- the option that the mine owners have strongly objected while pressing that leases should be allowed to be operate under second renewal till 2037.
The crucial meeting held between the Central government, State and the mine owners failed to find solution to Goa's mining imbroglio during a meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday.
The meeting chaired by Union Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi was attended by the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Advocate General Devidas Pangam, Union Mines Secretary and representatives of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) and mining firms- Vedanta, Sesa Goa, Chowgule, and Muzumdar among others.
Sources informed that the Centre is of firm view that State should initiate process to e-auction the leases, so that mining activities resume at the earliest. "State has put up its proposal, where it has explored all options including auction, setting up of mining corporation or legislative cure. State has stressed upon extending life of existing leases," sources said.
However, sources said the mining representatives strongly objected to e-auction of mining leases stating that they will lose the ownership right, which they withstood for decades. The firms were of the view that they still hold right over the leases and the submission has been accepted by the Supreme Court.
"Miners also requested for legislative cure or to wait for the Apex Court verdict in the Goa Mining Abolition case, which is pending. The lease operators should be allowed to continue mining till 2037 under second renewal," sources said.
Sources said that Union Minister heard the plea and directed that a written submission be made.
In a statement issued post meeting, GMOEA said they have made a submission to the Centre.
"The Ministry of Mines shall evaluate all options for early resumption of mining in Goa," GMOEA said.
The mining activities in the State are shut since March 15, 2018.
Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Mines Secretary Anil Kumar Jain were also present
