Team Herald
PANJIM: The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has earmarked a timeline of 105 days for grant of Environment Clearances (EC) for the e-auctioned iron ore mining blocks.
The successful bidder will have to apply for EC after holding public consultation mandated as per EIA notification 2006.
Nearly 24 mining companies including those from Goa as well as other parts of the country have showed interest in bidding for four mining blocks — three in Bicholim and one in Sanguem, having approximately 135 million tonnes of iron ore resource, for e-auction.
The Directorate of Mines & Geology (DMG) through Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited (MSTC) has invited tender to e-auction four mining blocks — Mulgao, Sirigao-Mayem and Monte-de-Sirigao all in Bicholim Taluka and Kalay mine in Sanguem. These mines were previously operated by mining firms namely M/s Narvekar, M/s Rajaram Bandekar, M/s Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd and Sesa Mining Corporation.
Sources informed that the MoEF&CC will take atleast 105 days to grant EC once the successful bidder makes application with all required documents.
“The timeline of 105 days is as prescribed in EIA Notification, 2006. But with introduction of single window facility called ‘Parivesh’, the ECs are granted within 80 days provided the applicant abide by the guidelines,” sources said.
The successful bidder will have to prepare Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study, and hold a public consultation before applying for EC, sources said.
Sources said as per rule, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) takes 90 days to approve mining plan.
The successful bidder can bid till November 21. As per tender document, the names of successful bidders would be declared between December 13 and 21.
