Team Herald
PANJIM: Reiterating that mining leases were granted based on the High Court order, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said there was no need to panic as he is confident mining operations will operations in the next six months if there are no hurdles.
Parrikar also said the government will explore all possibilities, including auction, which are in the interest of the State.
Addressing the media a day after the Supreme Court quashed renewals of 88 mining leases, Parrikar blamed the HC order for second renewals.
“Consequent to the Supreme Court order, State will explore all possibilities, including auction, to maximise revenue of the State,” Parrikar said.
The Chief Minister said the interests of Goans will be protected and there was no need to panic. “If there are no hurdles I expect the process of auction and resumption of mining within six months from March,” he said.
When the SC’s scathing attack on the State was pointed out, he said, “We went ahead as per the High Court decision. We went ahead for second renewal otherwise we were moving towards auction.” He added, “We have already started audits etc without waiting for the order.”
Asked about the impact the SC order would have on the State coffers, the CM, who is also the Finance Minister, said “not much”. “Losses for the State are temporary. There will be impact on mining dependents and for that we will try to restart mining as soon as possible,” he stated.
As far as state finances are concerned, he said, it will not be affected by much. “A maximum of around Rs 400 crore impact would be there annually, which we can bear.”
He added, “We expect mining to start by October, and there is no ban on export. Ban is only on extraction from March 15. So ore can be exported after that and we will get royalty.”
On competitive bidding for mines, he said, “I don’t want to discuss anything right now about auction. We will follow a transparent route while giving leases and will also get maximum revenue for the State.”
