Goa mining sector seeks revival; wants SC to clarify ban

The mining industry in Goa wants the Supreme Court (SC) to clarify regarding the ban on mining activity. The state has been battling with economic woes as the sector contributes almost 35 percent of Goa’s gross domestic product (GDP). With mining soon to resume in Karnataka, Goa’s pinning hopes on the apex court’s decision, report CNBC-TV18’s Elan Dutta and Anshu Sharma.

An area of around 4,000 sq km has seen no mining activity for the last 12 months. For a state economy heavily dependant on exporting low grade iron-ore, this is a massive blow. Also read: Niyamgiri mining plan rejected by 12th & last Gram Sabha
 
Goa: mining at a standstill Legal resolution on the matter is still pending in the SC since a year. It has increased the frustration for the Goa government and the mining industry. Goa has been publicly warning about the dire impact of the fact that a year on after the ban, not one thing seems to have moved. "Please allow me to govern and clean up the matter as I have been voted for that. I am accountable to the people", said Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa. The industry points out the worrying scenario that has led to several consequences. The year long mining ban has led to a loss of about USD 8 billion forex to the central and the state government. It excludes revenues generated from royalties and other duties. Sesa Goa has been the hardest hit as it exports 70 percent of its produce to China. Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Group said, “I have met the Prime Minister; he was concerned himself. He was saying it is very important to open Goa mines.” Miners seek early resolution Miners want an early resolution so that they can begin work in right earnest. Amber Timblo, honorary secretary, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) "Hoping all the facts can be brought before SC, state and the central government so that they can really ascertain where the problem was. If there was one, then to have it addressed and fixed immediately." Goa mining ban: 11 months on... Goa's miners feel that assurances from the Parrikar will remain futile unless the legal issues are settled quickly. With the Shah Commission report on Odisha mining, which is likely to have industry-wide implications, yet to be made public, the outlook for the sector remains grim.