PANJIM: The Goa government has informed Union Mines Ministry that not a single mining lease is available for auction in 2020; even as it has said that there are total 184 non-working mines in the state.
This apparently contradicts the very fact that the Supreme Court had quashed and set aside lease renewals of 88 iron ore mining leases, thus making them invalid and available for auction.
The state government in its submission before the Union Mines Ministry’s Coordination-cum-Empowered Committee (CEC) has said that there are total 184 non-working mines, however, none are available for auction in 2020. “Total mining leases that stand valid upto 2020 are 184,” the government has stated.
The non-captive mining leases under Section 8A (6) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR) will expire on March 31, 2020. Centre has identified total 104 mining leases for the auction in 2020, the process for which will be initiated by July 2019. The exploration of these leases has to be completed by December, this year.
Union Mines Secretary Anil Mukim in a letter to all the mineral rich states recently had stated that the exploration for all mining leases expiring in 2020 must be completed by December 2018 and in case any assistance is required, letters may be written to Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) seeking support.
“Union Secretary also stated that all states must start auction of mining leases expiring in 2020 by July 2019 to avoid any shortage of minerals and ensure seamless transition of mines from existing leaseholder to the new leaseholder to whom lease will be granted through auction,” he had said.
The iron ore mining activities in the state are currently at halt following Supreme Court order on February 7, 2018. Government has urged the Centre to undertake necessary amendment to the provisions of MMDR Act and Goa, Daman and Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition and Declaration as Mining Leases) Act, 1987, for
extending the life of leases till 2037.
