Introduction-:
Supreme Court today (7th Feb’18) in its verdict canceled the second renewal of 88 mines lease granted by the state government in Goa and operations from 15th Mar’18. The court has further instructed for fresh leases and that will be issued only after obtaining an environment clearance. Court has given its judgment while hearing a case filed by NGO Goa Foundation.
Time Line-:
2012-:
Sept. 11 – Goa halts iron ore mining after an expert panel formed by the federal government found “serious illegalities and irregularities” in mining operations.
2013-:
Nov. 11 – Supreme Court maintains the ban on iron ore mining in Goa but allows the sale of 11.46 million tonnes of material that sat in stockpiles.
2014-:
April 21 – The Supreme Court lifts a 19-month old ban on mining in Goa, its top iron ore exporting state, but limits annual output in the state at 20 million tonnes.
2015-:
January 12 – Goa government renews mining leases which were due for second deemed renewal for 20 years with retrospective effect from 2007.
March 27 – MMDR bill was passed.
October 19 – Vedanta exports first shipment of iron ore after mining ban
2017-:
Nov- Supreme Court heard illegal mining case based on a petition filed by Goa foundation.
Dec – Iron ore exports from Goa hits 10.95MnT on strong demand from China.
2018-:
Jan – Iron ore exports from Goa continue to remain strong.
Feb – Supreme Court has canceled 88 mining leases which were renewed just before MMDR act.
Leave a Reply