In an unique exercise to get hold of those involved in illegal iron ore mining activities, the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has decided to reward those lease holders who reports about irregularities and illegalities of the other lessees- who on the other hand will lose out on the fresh production quota allotted.
Director Mines Prasanna Acharya said that if a lease holder reports the illegalities of other lessee, the person report will be rewarded.
And the lease holder against whom the complaint is made will lose out on the ore production quota if the illegalities are proven.
During a recent meeting with major mining firms called on to discuss production and transportation details for the financial year 2017-18, Acharya informed that Supreme Court is considering enhancing the fresh iron ore production limit for Goa, which is currently capped at 20 million tons per annum.
For the last financial year, the mine owners achieved 20 million tons extraction much before the mining season could end. Hence, the DMG has set a target of achieving fresh 8 million tons production before the end of the ongoing mining season- May 31.
“The Supreme Court is considering the enhancement of production limit in the State of Goa which is also recommended by the Expert Committee appointed by the court,” the minutes of the meeting reads quoting Acharya.
“Hence, it is the duty of the department and the industry to equitably distribute the production in eight months of the new financial year as mining activities are not carried out during the monsoon season from June to September,” he stated.
The Supreme Court appointed Expert Committee in its report submitted in 2014-15 has proposed that the fresh production limit can go upto 27 million tons. Currently, there are total 44 mining leases that have commenced its operation this season.
Acharya emphasized on the fact that in the interest of royalty collection, so also in the interest of citizens residing in the mining affected areas, it is equally important to dispatch the ore produced in such a manner that least inconvenience is caused to general public and at the same time ensure that the quantity does not remain in the lease hold area.
During the meeting, the lease holders were informed about the need for efficient and scientific mining to be undertaken and that no illegal exploitation or mineral to be done for achieving the target.
Team TNV
