Ban on iron ore export will hit Goan economy adversely: Mine Owners

PTI, PANAJI | 04 October 2011 19:40 IST

Iron Ore exports from Goa are expected to fall in the wake of suspension notices and regulatory orders issued against some mining firms in the state, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association said today.

President of the association Shivanand Salgaoncar told reporters it is difficult to predict the level of exports this year though it would be lesser.

"The state government has already asked the mining firms not to export the dumps which are stacked on the mining sites. Since no dumps are allowed to be handled, we will be dependent on new extractions," Salgaoncar said.

The state had exported 54 million tonnes of ore last fiscal which was the highest ever.

Justice M B Shah Commission and the Public Accounts Committee are investigating on whether any illegal iron ore trade is taking place in the state.

Agencies such as Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Mines and Geology Department have issued notices to some mines for operating in violation of the law.

"There was a spurt in the mining activity after the China boom. Although the trade increased, the government infrastructure to control and monitor the trade did not expand," Salgaoncar said.      

He said there were some fly-by-night operators who sprung in the trade and disappeared.

"We don’t approve of them. It’s for the state government to act against them as they will have record of all the traders," Salgaoncar said.

Salgaoncar said mining industry accounts for 35% of the state’s GDP and contributes Rs 1,000 crore in the form of royalty to the state exchequer.

He said it also contributed Rs 4,000 crore in the form of export duty besides Value Added Tax.

Salgaoncar said there are over 75,000 people working on the mines and 15,000 trucks operating in this regard. As many as 360 barges (ships) are utilised for the purpose.

Besides several ancillary activities are depending on mining, he said adding that the fall in export would affect the state’s economy.


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@ Rodriguese + Anil Naik.

The point is not to legalise illegal mining - you are quite mistaken there (or hiding behind prostitution, gambling, etc. which is quite different) - it is to carry out mining in a regulated manner. It is only from the media that you probably get your news where news is only sensationalised - who wants to read about mining carried out as per the law. There are lots of laws, rules and regulation and mining is in fact the most regulated sector. At the same time there are a lot of ambiguities and grey areas which have never been address as mining case law is limited compared to other laws due to few incidents. These have not been understood by the media as they pick up views of the anti-mining activists and NGOs. The need is crack down on 20% of illegal mining and not to label mining itself as illegal (including the 80% legal mining). Although you don't realise it, you may be living in a good environment but in everyday life you are participating and reaping the fruits of mining (which you oppose) by steel for cars, housing, white goods, infrastructure, coal for power, fuel for cars, copper, aluminium, zinc, and hundreds of other materials. Like an ostrich you feel you are very safe and clean as long as the 'dust and pollution in utensils and food' is in someone else's plate.

- Deepak, Goa | 10 th October 2011 13:40

 

To Deepak,

Who are the responsible miners, Salgaonkars, Timblo, Chovgilo, Mangalji, Dinar tarkar, Seza?? ya, who?

I suggest you take a drive to Sanquelim area and see for yourself, how these your responsible miners have caused a havoc with environment and lives of people there. Read the blog of Sebastian Rodriguese for the intimidation and parallel govt. of your responsible miners. These miners have bought over the politicians and newsmen in Goa for million times over.

I commend Sandesh Prabhu and his colleagues at goanews who despite working for miners are allowing comments against mining in Goa on this site.

- Domingos, Canada | 08 th October 2011 23:30

 

To Deepak::::Using your rather strange philosophical explainations, can you explain how do Countries or States (even within India too) , that have no mines, create jobs for their citizens?.In your mind-set, is there a difference, between good,non-corrupt and environmentally friendly Mining and illegal, corrupt and disastorous Mining? ONce the MInes have been depleted or exhausted , what next?

- N.Fernandes, London | 08 th October 2011 21:14

 

@Deepak,

Yeah, Goa should also start legalizing prostitution, gambling, a la Las Vegas ISHTYLE, and not to forget open drugs a la Amsterdam style, surely it will safeguard employment for you and your next 100 generations forever.

- Rodriguese, London | 08 th October 2011 20:12

 

What is the use of employment if this employment deteriorates the health of a human being and reduces his life. Why does not Deepak let all the dust and pollution freely to enter into his house? It would be wonderful to see the house of Deepak full of mining dust, his food utensils and food itself if lined with mining dust. Only those who get SPECIAL benefits from the miners and their agents and from the politicians will talk rubbish like Deepak

- Anil Naik, U.K. | 08 th October 2011 16:13

 

It is very easy to critisize. Will these e colacos, rodrigueses, domingos and prabudesais provide jobs for us and our children. Huge no. of Goan have made their livelihood through mining either directly or indirectly. It is the reward of the miners that after 50 years of perseverence, God has blessed them bountifully due to the blessings of 2 generations of Goans. To create business assuming huge risk and investing large amounts and hard work is difficult but armchair critics can throw it all away in 10 seconds of comments. I would like to invite them to develop similar business and provide employment to lakhs rather than criticise. It is easy for people to rant at the politicians and the rich but difficult to create wealth given similar circumstance. Where do these people get their steel for their houses, cars and white good if not from mining. And for sure mining has to remove vegetation and dig the ground. The only issue is that it should be done in a sustainable manner, which responsible miners in Goa and by and large doing.

- deepak, Goa | 07 th October 2011 21:06

 

vegetable vendors to mine owners and millions in swiss accounts . Shame on the Salgaocars and not forgetting the Chowgules. Raped Goa , made millions and given back " bicnas". Dempos were wise in running away from the crime scene by cashing out. Atleast they have attempted in washing the dirt .

Goan??? mine owners should be buried in japan or China as that is where our earth has been sold by these scums. Talking of the Goan Economy being threatened. Give back part of your fortunes and create new opprotunities. Ruias were mere operators today they ahve created multiple of 75000 jobs you are taliking of Mr. Sivanand Salgaocar!!!

- e colaco, margao | 06 th October 2011 02:03

 

Where were you Mr. Salgaonkar all this while when Goa was being raped by you your ilks. Now you want to raise hands and come clean, but you will not, the mining dirt has already stuck permanently on you guys and won't be able to wash it away that easily!

- Rodriguese, London | 05 th October 2011 23:17

 

Salgaonkars have reaped a fortune (more than enough for their next 100 generations) by mining Goa. In return what have they given to the Goan environment, Goans and Goa. Apart from some crumbs thrown at their workers and the football players.

- Domingos, Canada | 05 th October 2011 19:30

 

Enough is enough.It is time to look for some other avenues rather than exploiting the already over-exploited Mining sector. This sector if allowed to grow uncontrolled as has happened in the last few years-- rest assured--the History will never pardon all those responsible for such huge exploitation.

- vishwas prabhudesai, loliem | 05 th October 2011 16:11

 

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