| Date: |
11-03-2015 |
| Subject: |
Mining extraction will be on pro rata basis |
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PANAJI: In a major decision on mining, the state government has decided that the extraction of 20 million tonnes of iron ore would be done on pro-rata basis in 89 mining leases which was renewed by the state government. This means that every lease holder would be allowed a maximum of around 50% of the iron ore extraction as per the EC limit.
Speaking to TOI, director of mines and geology, Prasanna Acharya, said that the state government will now write to the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF) about the decision to implement a pro rata basis of extraction of iron ore in Goa. The Supreme Court had lifted the ban on mining in Goa in April 2014 following which the state government had lifted its ban on January 16, 2015. For mining operations to now commence, the MoEF has to lift the suspension it had imposed in the state.
According to the present EC limit, mining companies could extract 42 million tonnes of iron ore in 89 mining leases for the entire year, but now that limit has been capped to 20 million tones as fixed by the Supreme Court. The state government had considered three options before taking a decision to allow extraction of mining through pro-rata basis. The other two options before the government was on cluster-basis and capping depending on infrastructure facilities available in different areas.
Mining department sources said that the supreme court appointed an expert appraisal committee to study the capping of 20 million tonnes of mining of iron ore in the state and after the committee submits its report, a final decision would be taken by the SC if it has to be revised. The committee is likely to submit the report to the apex court in April this year.
Before mining came to a halt, Sesa Goa Ltd and Sesa Resources Ltd together exported over 14 million tonnes, Fomento's Sociedade de Fomento Industrial Pvt Ltd, Prime Mineral Exports Pvt Ltd, Fomento Exports Pvt Ltd, and Infrastructure Logistics Pvt Ltd exported over 7 million tonnes per annum. But as per the pro-rata basis, Sesa would now be allowed to extract 7 million tonnes and Fomento group will be allowed to extract 3.5 million tonnes per annum.
Similarly, the new limits for extraction for V M Salgaocar and Bro Pvt Ltd would be 1.40 million tonnes, Chowgule and Co Pvt Ltd limit 1.83 million tonnes, and Pandurang Timblo group around 1 million tonnes.
Chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar has written two letters to the MoEF to revoke the suspension of EC clearances which were kept in suspension in September 2012.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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