GSPCB refuses operating consent to 107 mining leases

PANAJI: In a fresh trouble for the mining industry in Goa, the Pollution Control Board has refused operating consent to all 107 mining leases in the state under the Air and Water Pollution Control Act.

Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), in its order yesterday said that since the case against these mining leases is pending with the Supreme Court, their application for consent stands withdrawn.

The apex court is hearing the petition filed by NGO Goa Foundation against the illegal mining activity in the state, pending which all mines have been asked to stop operations.

GSPCB Chairman Jose Manuel Noronha, who heard the petitions filed by the mining firms before the Board, said that the apex court has halted the mining operations, the Board cannot renew the consent under air and water pollution act to these mining leases.

The consent to operate under these Acts have expired on July 31, 2012. The mining firms will have to re-apply once SC decides on the matter, Noronha said.

State's mining industry is in doldrums after SC halted the mining operations asking the Centrally Empowered Committee ( CEC) to investigate into the illegal mining.