PANJIM: The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has proposed to introduce the District Mineral Foundation (Trust) Fund for minor minerals, too, in lines with iron ore, wherein the fund will be utilised towards welfare of the affected people.
Following directions from the Supreme Court, the Union Mines Ministry in 2015, amended the Mines, Minerals Development and Regulation Act (MMDR), wherein all the iron ore rich States were directed to set up DMFs in all districts for the welfare of mining affected persons to which contribution is made directly by the holders of mineral concession, apart from royalty.
The money from the DMFs is required to be used for the welfare of persons and areas hit by mining-related operations which includes drinking water, education and infrastructure development.
The DMF, headed by the District Collectors in Goa, has around Rs 187 crore, of which not even one per cent has been spent so far towards welfare of mining affected.
DMG sources said the department has proposed to implement DMF for minor minerals too, wherein the miner will have to pay 15-20 per cent royalty towards welfare of the people affected by mining of minor minerals.
“This levy could be over and above the royalty paid to the State governments,” sources said.
DMG permits quarrying of basalt stone, laterite stone, lime shells, river pebbles and sand mining. Since 2019, no permission is been granted for sand mining activities in the State. However, in the current season, the permissions are expected for same along Chapora River and its tributaries.
