MINING LIKELY TO START SOON

Mining in the state is likely to start soon. Following a LAQ raised the Goa Forward’s VijaiSardesai, the Chief Minister PramodSawant said that mining would start within 5 months, provided the auction process went smoothly.

 The environment clearances that have been granted to previous lease holders will be transferred to buyers, the Chief Minister informed.

Fatorda MLA,VijaiSardesai alleged that the mining corporation is only on paper and demanded the Chief Minister clarify whethermining could start by February. He also questioned the reasoningbehind clubbing 88 mining leases into blocks for auction as it would keep Goan players out.

The leases will be transferred as per the MMDR act andby SBI cap. They have already started the auctioning process in the state. 3 leaseswill be granted per person leaving lots of scope forGoans, informed Sawant.

Sardesai also asked whether new lease holders would employ old mining employees and provide businesses opportunities to local truck owners. This opportunity should not fall into the hands of non-Goans, he added.