Team Herald
PANJIM: Continuing their series of meetings with Central leaders pressing for the immediate resumption of iron ore mining activities in the State, Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF), on Thursday met Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is chairman of the Group of Ministers (GoM), constituted by the Prime Minister, to handle the mining issue.
The delegation led by union leader Puti Gaonkar said Gadkari has assured them that the matter is being handled at the Prime Minister’s Office with priority. “Gadkari assured that he has spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Ravi Shankar Prasad to expedite the process for resumption of mining in Goa and help the people,” Gaonkar said.
GMPF, an umbrella organisation of mining dependents, had on Wednesday met GoM members – Union Ministers Suresh Prabhu and Ravi Shankar Prasad over the delay in resolving the current mining industry crisis in Goa. In a statement, Gaonkar said that Prabhu, while assuring necessary help, said that an officer will monitor to process and clear the file with regards to the amendment to the Act, moved by Union Mines Ministry and currently pending before the Attorney General.
Iron ore mining activities in Goa have been shut since March, following a Supreme Court order that quashed and set aside renewals of 88 leases.
The State has sought amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) and Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, for extending the life of leases till 2037.
