PANJIM: In a further blow to the mining industry in Goa, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday ordered the suspension of ore transportation that was allowed by Mines Department.
The Court’s direction came after NGO Goa Foundation moved a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the illegal transportation. HC, as interim relief ordered stoppage of transportation of ore.
The Court has issued notice to the State and also asked it to file an affidavit in the matter.
Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande, in his opinion to the Government, had said that minerals already extracted prior to March 15 on which royalty has been paid and taken out from the lease area, would legitimately belong to the leaseholder and therefore, on that score the effect of stoppage will not come into play.
Counsel for Goa Foundation, objected and submitted that all the ore extracted is illegal and it should be stopped immediately.
The ban on transportation of ore came into effect from 7.00pm on March 15 along with other mining operations. However, Mines Department had allowed transportation of ore lying outside the lease bound area and for which royalty was paid.
Mine lease holder Shivanand Salgaocar said the court, after modifying the order, has allowed transporting the ore which was already lying at jetties to the port.
However, the detailed court order is awaited, but petitioner Claude Alvares said the Court has only allowed transportation of ore which is coming from outside Goa.
