l Mining ban has led to a
Rs 3,000 crore loss;
l Mining back to 1991 stage;
l Signing of lease agreement to commence on Oct 15;
l 15-20 mines to be renewed in first phase;
l Mining activities to start by January 2015
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: While announcing that the iron ore mining activities in the State can resume by January, next year, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar admitted that the stoppage of mining operations has impacted the standing of Goa as a “steady and dependable supplier of low grade iron ore in the international market”.
Speaking to media persons, Parrikar said that Goa’s place in the international market as supplier of ore has been taken by Australian and Brazilian suppliers. “The ban has not only reduced the income of the people, but has also brought about a cascading effect to the entire economy of the State,” he said, adding that the loss is around Rs 3,000 crore.
Parrikar, who is also the Mines Minister, admitted that with international market prices of iron ore coming down and heavy duties imposed by the Central Government in the form of hike in royalty (15%) and export duty (30%), there is no windfall profit in the sector. “The mining sector has gone back to 1991 stage, where there is no much profit left,” he said.
State Cabinet this afternoon ‘in-principle’ approved ‘The Goa Grant of Mining Lease Policy, 2014’ under which the mining leases would be renewed under Section 8 (3) of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act 1957.
The Chief Minister said the signing of lease agreement would commence from October 15, wherein in the first phase 15-20 mines would be renewed.
Parrikar said that for the mining industry to resume in full swing, the international market prices of iron ore will have to be stabilized and Central Government will have to revise or withdraw export duty on low grade iron ore. Also, the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) will have to grant environment clearances (ECs) to the valid mining leases, which would be done on case-to-case basis, he added.
“If everything goes smoothly, mining activities including production will start by January, next year,” he said. Parrikar said that government will come out with clear guidelines on transport of ore within next one month.
The mining industry in Goa came to standstill on September 10, 2012 when State Government imposed temporary suspension of mining activities. It continues till today.
