Quepem (Goa): In a bid to give boost to co-operative mining, the newly formed Sadhana Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd (SMCSL) – promoted by the villagers of Caurem has urged the State Government seeking permission to carry out iron ore mining activities.

In a representation to the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG), the SMCSL has demanded that all the existing mining leases, operational in their village and adjourning areas be transferred to the co-operative society and until then, powers be granted to them to monitor the mining activities undertaken in their village.

The SMCSL was recognised last month, which has been formed with a sole objective of promoting mining activities through co-operative sector.

Chief promoter Ravindra Velip in his representation has said that, “in order to promote sustainable, lawful and equitable mining, it is essential that the mining operations are conducted by co-operatives, formed by the local communities, such as ours”.

“In the Democratic Republic of India, it is only the people who can carry out sustainable, lawful and equitable mining through co-operative ventures while also ensuring inter-generational equity,” he said.

Velip said that the village of Caurem is a tribal village and the resources of the village belong solely to its people, including the lands on which the mining leases have been granted to the mining companies. “The time has come to stop all the illegalities and inequities in the mining industry, for which our co-operative society is ready and eager,” he added.

Team TNV