Goa govt should set a deadline to start legal mining: GCCI

PANAJI: Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( GCCI) today said it wants the state government to set a deadline to start legal mining operation.

"We want the Goa government to set up a specific deadline to start legal mining in Goa," GCCI President Manguirish Pai Raikar told reporters.

"It should start at least in the next 30-40 days, which is before Diwali festival."

The Goa government suspended all the 90 mining leases last month following recommendations of the Shah Inquiry Commission, which had claimed these leases were illegal as they did not have the environment clearance.

Raikar said as per GCCI records, there are at least 43 mines which have clear documents and valid licences, and these can be allowed to start immediately.

"We are always in support of legal mines. The Goa government can act against illegalities in the sector," the GCCI President said.

GCCI today a held meeting with all stakeholders like truck owners, barge owners, machine operators and other mining dependent people to understand and resolve the crisis looming large over the industry.

Raikar said the industry body will soon petition the Centre to assess the adverse impact of the suspension on people dependent on mining of iron ore and manganese in Goa.

He also said they will appeal to banks to restructure the loans given to the people dependent on mining industry as they are not able to pay their monthly instalments.