246 applications for new mines pending in Goa
By IANSTuesday, December 15, 2009
PANAJI - While Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat says there is no question of allowing new mining leases in the state, official documents submitted in the assembly Tuesday show there are 246 applications for new leases.
In a written reply, Kamat, who also holds the mining portfolio, said 246 applications have been received for prospecting of major minerals in the state during the last two years.
Goa’s hinterland has seen a string of agitations against illegal mining and granting of new mining leases.
In another written reply, the mines and geology department stated Goa exported nearly 30 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008-09.
Top exporters include two Vedanta-owned companies — Sesa Goa, which accounted for 10 million tonnes, and Dempo, despatching 4.3 million tonnes.
The government also said nearly Rs.27 crore was earned as royalty from the 107 legally operational mines in the state.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has alleged in the assembly that one-fifth of the ore exported from Goa annually was illegally extracted.
The illegal mining industry in Goa is worth Rs.700 crore and is 18 percent of the total extraction, said Parrikar, also a former chief minister.
