TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar announced in the Goa Assembly that at least 27 mining leases, who have paid the stamp duty, will have their renewed leases executed by October 15, while announcing that by end of the calendar year 2014 mining activities, would be resumed in Goa. Parrikar said that the decision on other mining leases (that are not in dispute but have not paid stamp duty) would be also taken by October.
Parrikar informed the House that by September 20, the mining policy for granting leases would be notified and those lessees who have paid stamp duty would get their leases renewed between September 30 to October 15.
“I assure this House that by October 15, there would be at least 27 mining leases ready for operation, subject to the condition that they pay the cess or fine levied for extraction of mud (iron ore) for last five years — 2007-2012,” Chief Minister said while speaking on the special discussion on mining.
“After issuance of leases, it would take at least two to four months for the mining companies to resume operation as currently the mining pits are full of water, which will have to be pumped out. The production might start by December end or January next year, depending on the mine owners,” he said adding that while granting leases conditions like employment generation to locals and plying local trucks would be added.
The Chief Minister also said that the temporary suspension order imposed by State government on September 10, 2012 would be vacated once government renews the mining leases.
Parrikar, also the mines minister, also gave an assurance that the scheme to repay the loan for trucks, barges and mining machinery would begin from August 26. It would be notified by August 21, he said warning that the scheme would be kept on hold if mining dependent come on street to protest. Government is also considering providing loan relief to the other ancillary owners, the scheme that would be announced by October 15.
“We would also provide loan to the truck and barge operators for repair of their vehicles,” he said.
The House, cutting across party lines this evening spoke on the need for immediate resumption of legal mining along with giving preference to these 27 lease holders and the traditional mine owners from the State rather than welcoming fly-by night operators and mining mafias.
In his 40 minute speech, chief minister did not spell out whether the leases would be granted to the traditional owners or not, but the written statement issued on the floor of the House had hinted that the leases would not be granted through competitive bidding but would consider those existing lease holders who had applied for renewal within the time frame.
Chief minister told the House that government would be spending the money generated from the e-auction of iron ore and other fines imposed on the mine owners for rehabilitation of the mining stakeholders.
He said the State has already collected nearly Rs 900 crore from mine owners through auction or ore and dump conversion fees. “State would generate revenue of Rs 1500 crore from auction of 15 million tonnes of ore,” he said.
