Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that mining activities could resume by November if the Supreme Court lifts the ban imposed on it.
“If the Supreme Court vacates the ban (on mining), the export of the ore can start by November-December this year,” Parrikar told reporters here yesterday.
The Chief Minister said that the resumption of mining activities will depend on the apex court order, clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, consent under the Water and Air Pollution Prevention Act and certification from the Indian Bureau of Mines.
He said that the State Government has already begun the formalities to withdraw the suspension of the mining leases issued last year.
The State Cabinet, he said, has empowered the Director of Mines and Geology to withdraw the suspension order after signing lease deeds with the mining firms.
He said that although the suspension order of almost 24-30 mines would be withdrawn by the State Government, the actual mining can start only after the apex court order.
Mining activity, which is impacting 25 per cent of Goa’s population, has been on hold since September last year after the Supreme Court imposed a ban on illegal mining following the Shah Commission report.