Published: March 20, 2018 |

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Daily Pioneer reported that Goa’s mining industry body GMOEA sought clarity from the Government on the commencement of mining operations in the State, warning that failure to do so could amount “harsh decisions”, including layoffs in the sector. However, GMOEA the body representing the mine owners in Goa ruled out any immediate job losses in the mining sector on account of Supreme Court quashing the second renewal of iron ore mining leases in the State.

Mr. Ambar Timblo President of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association told PTI that “Companies are concerned and do not want to take any harsh decisions, including job layoffs and to ensure that it does not reach that point. The industry is eagerly awaiting clarity from the Government as to how and when mining operations may commence.”

As many as 88,000 to 89,000 workers are employed in the mining industry in Goa, Mr. Timblo said that “As companies, nobody wants to remove anybody as of now.”

Last month, the Supreme Court had quashed the second renewal of iron ore mining leases given to 88 companies in the State in 2015. The apex court had said it was giving time till March 15 to mining lease holders, who have been granted a second renewal in violation of its previous directions, to manage their affairs. The bench had said that “However, they are directed to stop all mining operations with effect from March 16, 2018 until fresh mining leases (not fresh renewals or other renewals) are granted and fresh environmental clearances are granted.”

Source: Daily Pioneer

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