Karnataka mining operation to restart by December: Sesa Goa

PK Mukherjee, managing director of Sesa Goa hopes mining operations to restart in Karnataka by December-end. He also feels that the shortfall in Karnataka would come down by 1.5-2 metric tonne.

Sesa Goa projected a shortfall of 4-5 metric tonne in Karnataka post the mining ban. However, Mukherjee expects prices to be robust going forward. He also indicated that the royalty cost would double to Rs 300 per tonne if the mining bill is passed in an organised form.

Here is the edited transcript of his interview. Also watch the accompanying video.

Q: What is your view on the mining ban? How would it impact the industry?

A: Under Sesa port; we have roughly 15 million tonne of mining. If mining stops in Karnataka, it will directly and indirectly impact 5,000 plus people. Goa alone is involved with 9,000 to 10,000 people.

As far as industry is concerned, the total number of people to be impacted would be 75,000 to 80,000 directly and indirectly. If we take five to six people per earner