Panaji (Goa): The impact of the judgment of the Supreme Court is substantially negative on the mining industry and various stakeholders and has adverse repercussions to all the stakeholders,” the mine owners have said in a joint statement issued this evening.

The statement is issued by Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association and Goa mining association, both the bodies representing mine owners and exporters in the coastal state.

“We would not like to comment on the judgment of the Supreme Court at  his point of time,” the statement adds.

The apex court in its verdict pronounced in the morning had quashed 88 mining leases, which will result in bringing the mining industry to complete standstill. 

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said mining lease holders, who have been granted a second renewal in violation of its previous decision and directions, are granted time to manage their affairs and may continue mining operations till March 15 this year.

“However, they are directed to stop all mining operations with effect from March 16, 2018 until fresh mining leases (not fresh renewals or other renewals) are granted and fresh environmental clearances are granted,” the bench said.

Earlier during the day, Chief minister Manohar Parrikar has said that there is no need to panic as the order will not come in force from tomorrow onwards.

He said that the state will disclose its further course of action in another two-three days after consulting the legal experts.

Team TNV