The Goa Cabinet has approved a proposal from state MECL for exploration and demarcation of five mining blocks in the state.
Pramod Sawant’s government has agreed to a INR 36.14 lakh proposal that will help it identify reserves of five blocks “for immediate auction.” Given the urgency, the state Govt will bear the cost of this exploration which could have otherwise been borne out of National Mineral Exploration Trust.
Mining has been halted in the state since 2017 after Supreme Court cancelled the renewal of 88 mining leases. The state, governed by a BJP led government has spent the last few years seeking to continue with the old lessees despite the obvious reluctance of the Centre. The SC recent refusal to entertain a review petition seems to have put an end to this quest.
With state elections expected to be held in February, the BJP government is under pressure to make promises that it can keep. The CM, who hails from the mining belt himself, had told the Navhind Times earlier this month that he would begin the auction of leaseholds not covered by the SC order and begin auction of dumps. It is important to note that the Goa mining matter remains subjudice and its environmental clearances suspended.
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