Final illegal mining report submitted

TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: The much-awaited third and final report of Justice (retired) MB Shah Commission inquiry report on illegal mining in Goa was submitted to the Union Mines Ministry Tuesday, giving yet another major blow to the mining lobby, who were expecting the operations to restart soon. The final report nails the monetary transactions of mine owners and exporters along with spelling out the loss to the State exchequer in the form of largescale illegal export of iron ore in the last five years from 2006 to 2011. 

Justice Shah Commission office confirmed that the report has been submitted to the Union Ministry, a day before its tenure ends on October 16. 

The Government of India has set up the Shah Commission of Inquiry for Illegal Mining of Iron Ore and Manganese in November, 2010, for three years.  The Ministry on July 17, 2013 granted extension of three months ending on October 16 to the inquiry commission to submit their report.

Mining in Goa is currently suspended by Supreme Court following the Commission’s reports that exposed mining scam worth Rs 35,000 crore. 

Officials, without disclosing the details, confirmed that the third report will include the findings of investigation of bank accounts of those reportedly found to be involved in the scam. 

Names of politicians including former chief minister Digambar Kamat, mines officials and mine owners have already figured in 

the Shah Commission earlier report, submitted last year. Based on the report, State government has filed two different complaints with the Goa Lokayukta, who are investigating the civil liabilities and the Crime Branch which is looking into the criminal aspect of the case. 

Both the complaints, however, do not name anyone. 

The Commission first report had recommended ban on export of iron and manganese ores to conserve the mineral for posterity. It had also said that till government puts up a system in place, the ban on export should continue, which will help in controlling illegal mining. 

The Commission had reportedly accused Goa Government of providing ‘incorrect’ and ‘inaccurate’ production and export figures, which are the prime findings of the third report.