The Goa Mines and Geology Department has asked all mining leaseholders in the State to conduct the digital global positioning survey (DGPS) by mid-June, which will ascertain boundaries and violations by mining operators.
Director of Mines and Geology Prasanna Acharya in a circular issued this week has asked all the valid mining leaseholders to carry out a DGPS survey through the State empanelled agencies.
The cost of the survey would have to be borne by the respective mining leaseholders, the circular said.
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest data reveals that there are 139 mining leases in the State.
The survey will have to be completed by June 15, 2013.
The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) had asked the mining leaseholders to conduct such a survey after it was noticed in the Justice M. B. Shah Commission report that several mine owners have violated boundaries and encroached outside their leases.
The Commission had estimated that illegally extracted ore was to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore.
The mine owners had disputed the claims of the Shah Commission claiming that it (the commission) had conducted the surveys with a hand-held GPS, which was not the appropriate gadget for the purpose.