The 2018 verdict had dragged at least 88 of the total 300-odd mining leases in Goa under the court's lens, thereby stalling operations in the sector
New Delhi: The Goa government is considering exploiting the iron ore mines that are not covered under the 2018 ruling given by the Supreme Court under which it had effectively banned mining operations in the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.
The 2018 verdict had dragged at least 88 of the total 300-odd mining leases in Goa under the court's lens, thereby stalling operations in the sector which is a key source of livelihood for local people and also revenue for the state government.
While stating that solutions to resume work at the 88 mining leases mired in legal tangle were being explored, Sawant said that the industry can meanwhile tap into the mining leases that do not fall under the purview of the SC ruling.
Sawant said that the government is working on a plan, but refused to provide details. "If I tell you what we are planning to do, those who dont want mining to restart will be proactive. Those who want the industry to resume should have faith in me… We are giving our 100 percent to restart the mining industry in the state," the Chief Minister said.
The resumption of mining in the state was a major Lok Sabha issue. The Goa Mining Peoples Front, an organisation of mining dependents, had appealed to the people of the state to not vote for BJP candidates because the party had failed to provide to solution to the mining issue.
Goa has a total of 334 mining leases.