PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday took status of all the nine auctioned mining blocks to ensure speedy clearances and resumption of mining activities and also directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to complete the process of granting environmental clearances (ECs) expeditiously.
The directions were given at the Goa State Geological Programming Board Meeting 2024, chaired by the Chief Minister.
All the nine auction holders and the officers of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Environment Department, Forest Department among others, were present at the meeting.
Also, other officials have been directed to grant the permissions as soon as possible.
Based on the review, it was concluded that around 3-4 mines will be operational by September-October 2024. Sawant also directed the auction lease holder of Shirgao to exclude the area of Shri Lairai Temple and habitation in and around the area.
The agenda of the meeting included discussions on several crucial topics including exploration of mining leases to be funded through the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
The Board deliberated on the empanelment of agencies under the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG). Another key point of discussion was the strengthening of the DMG office by establishing a laboratory for mineral analysis. The laboratory will be equipped with advanced instruments procured through NMET funds.
The meeting discussions also entailed that the profile of existing dumps will be studied by DMG-empanelled agencies utilizing NMET funds.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will extend its support to the DMG, Goa, in preparing proposals to tap NMET funds. Additionally, the GSI will assist in the preparation of geological reports for mineral blocks slated for upcoming auctions.
At the meeting, the chief minister, unveiled the geological and mineral map of Goa, along with the District Resource Maps for both the districts.
