PANJIM: The Goa government is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), Nagpur, for systematic exploration of iron ore reserves in the State.
After mining activity was halted in Goa by the Manohar Parrikar government in 2012 and the Supreme Court of India quashed second renewal of 88 mining leases for violating procedures to benefit private mining leaseholders, the government is of the opinion that the State has about 200 million tonnes of iron ore reserves.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The government wants to establish iron ore reserves in the State by singing MoU with the MRECL, a premier exploration agency in the country, sources said.
MECL is a ‘Miniratna I’ Central public sector enterprise under the Union Ministry of Mines, Government of India and provides high quality, cost effective and time-bound geo-scientific services for exploration and exploitation of minerals.
Though there were 118 valid mining leases, only a few were operating in the State when the Supreme Court by a judgement dated February 7, 2018 banned mining activity in the State with effect from March 16, 2018 until fresh mining leases and environmental clearances were granted by both – State and Union governments.
The Apex Court had also directed the Goa government to set up a special
investigation team (SIT) and a team of chartered accountants to recover the monies from mining companies, which were allowed to extract iron ore in violation of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Meanwhile, Directorate of Mines and Geology has till date e-auctioned about 14 million tonnes of iron ore lying at different jetties, plots and mines and has fetched revenue of about Rs 900 crore. Since 2014, the department has conducted 25 e-auctions and about two million tonnes of ore is yet to be put up for e-auction.
