Panel may delay restarting of mining operations: Industry

Goa's mining industry has expressed its shock over Manohar Parrikar government's decision to form a high powered committee to investigate the illegalities pointed out by Justice M B Shah Commission. Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) said that the formation of such a body would result in a delay in starting mining operations.

"Goa's mining industry is surprised and shocked at the state government's sudden decision to appoint a committee under Justice Khandeparkar to verify alleged illegalities in the Shah Commission report within 60 days, when the process of verification of stocks and permissions are in progress for exactly the same purpose," a GMOEA press release said.

Mine owners said that this would further delay the process of restarting mining operation mines that the state government had initially planned, after these were stopped by a government order on September 10.

"The latest decision will further delay the process of restarting mines on completion of verifications of data by state government officials, who were close to completing their investigations," the GMOEA release said.