PANJIM: The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has directed 159 erstwhile iron ore leaseholders, whose leases expired on March 31, 2020, to vacate their sites within a month (before May 3), failing which necessary action will be initiated as per law.
The move comes almost a year after the DMG initiated the process to take possession of the 88 mines in May, last year. These leases, which were caught in litigation, had expired in 2007. Total four leases are already auctioned, while another five will be auctioned this month.
Director Suresh Shanbhogue, in a notice issued to mining companies, said that the period of lease granted before the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), where minerals are used for purposes other than captive purposes, shall be extended and be deemed to have been extended up to a period ending on March 31, 2020, with effect from the date of expiry of the period of renewal last made, or till completion of the renewal period.
DMG pointed out that more than six months have elapsed since the expiry of the lease. “The Government of Goa hereby directs the erstwhile leaseholders, whose leases came to an end on March 31, 2020 by virtue of the provision of 8-A (6) of MMDR Act, 1957, to comply with the provisions of Rule 12 (1) (hh) of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbons Energy Minerals) Concessions Rules, 2016, within one calendar month from the date of issue of the notice,” the notice stated.
The erstwhile leaseholders are asked to vacate the site within one month that is before May 3, failing which necessary action will be initiated deemed appropriate in terms of MMDR Act and its Rules.
The DMG has also made it clear that the erstwhile leaseholders are not entitled to remove or transport any ore of mineral from the lease area as the Supreme Court has asked the State to prepare the inventory of all excavated mineral ore lying at various mines, jetties, ports and to e-auction it.
Apart from issuing notices to the erstwhile leaseholders, a public notice for information of general public is also been published.
