Mining industry asks to curb illegal mining

pti, panaji | 17 February 2010 23:03 IST

Following the people as well as few legislators, now it is the mining industry itself that has come forward, perhaps for the first time, demanding to immediately put to a stop to the illegal mining activity going on in Goa.

The Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) has appealed to the state government to curb the illegal mining trade, an activity by `short term players, who have appeared in the market due to hike in demand for iron ore in China.

"Apart from flaunting laws for temporal gains, such uncontrolled activities by short term players affect the operations of the mainstream industry as all gets tarred with the same brush," said GMOEA secretary Glen Kalavampara, in a press note released here.

"In a few caseS, there even appear to be mining activities carried out without even a lease being granted," he said, while welcoming state's decision to form a committee to curb illegal mining.

"The demand for iron ore leases in Goa is on the increase and there are instances wherein holders of these non operational leases have been approached by traders with intent of operating them for quick gains," states the press release.

According to GMOEA, such mines do not comply with the necessary norms and regulations that are statutorily followed by established mining companies.

Kalavampara alleged that there are numerous instances of ore being stolen from dumps and stacks of major mining companies at night as well as pilferage in case of spillage by the transporters.

"This ore finds its way to unscrupulous buyers who are now gaining entry into export of bulk minerals," he pointed out.

The association accounts for 33 million tonnes of ore exported from the state's 100-odd mining leases. While the growth in business is welcome, the GMOEA feels the growth done by irregular means needs to be condemned.

The association has lamented that the recent growth of mining activities has led to some activities which have affected the image of the overall mining industry in Goa.

"Due to the demand in the market, many new players who do not have any long term interests in the mining business have been attracted to carry out mining and processing activities with the sole aim of deriving short term benefits and with scant regard to accountability, sustainability, infrastructure or environmental concerns," Kalavampara alleged.


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Good that the Association has joined hands with the public to put a stop to the rape of this beautiful territory by mining activities!

The common man feels that the difference between legal and illegal is very small in our Country and especially in Goa, as bribe and underhand dealings and influence can very easily convert what is illegal into legal! The examples are many and known to almost everybody! The licences and permits are many times misused as a ploy to convert something unethical, something totally irregular into legal! The Ravindra Bhawan in Margao is built by filling up a fertile field, so is the football stadium in Cuncolim!

- Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem | 17 th February 2010 23:41

 

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