After the Supreme Court ordered cancellation of mining leases on 7 Feb’18, 2 MnT iron ore extracted so far. The mines recorded extraction of 2 MnT of iron ore from 7th Feb’18 to 11 Mar’18, contributing 20% of total iron ore production so far in the state. The total ore production for the year 2017-2018 accounted 10.41 MnT till date.
The Supreme Court of India on 7th feb’18 said that the 88 iron ore mine leases who were granted second renewal in violation in decisions and directions of this court may continue operations till 15 Mar’18 are directed to stop all mining operations with effect from 16 Mar’18 until fresh mining leases are granted and fresh environmental clearances are granted. Thus the 2nd renewal granted to the mines stands quashed.
Out of the total 88 mining leases, few were amalgamated owing to common environmental clearances, reducing to 37 working and 31 non working mines. The total permissible limit for working mines extraction stands at 20 MnT.
In the wake of the SC order, Goa DMG had directed the mining leases to stop extraction from 13 Mar’18. But modifying its earlier order, Goa DMG today allowed mine owners to continue iron ore extraction till 15 Mar’18 till 7pm.
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