BICHOLIM: Over 100 mining dependents under the banner “Mining Allied Industries Dependents” on Monday took out a rally from Amona to Sanquelim demanding immediate resumption of mining activities.
The rally began from Amona and culminated at Ravindra Bhavan, Sanquelim. The mining dependents submitted a memorandum to the deputy speaker, Dr Pramod Sawant in which they stated that several industries in Goa are directly dependent on mining for their raw material and they are seriously affected due to the mining ban.
“Goan Sponge iron plant & pig plant at Amona is one of the key consumers of iron ore. Many foundries, cement and power plants are dependent on these industries. All these industries together provide direct employment to thousands of people across Goa. In addition, these industries contribute to State’s revenue through direct and indirect taxes,” the memorandum reads.
According to the agitators, the pig iron plant at Amona with its power plant facility alone provides direct employment to around 2000 people. Apart from direct employment, 1000 people are indirectly dependent for employment on this industry. Besides this, the nearby local market is totally dependent on this industry.
They claimed that mining ban would result in large scale unemployment in mining allied industries sector. In this regard the agitators have demanded early resumption of mining.
