Goa to cap iron ore exports

PANAJI: The BJP-led Goa Government has decided to cap the iron ore exports from the coastal state at 40-42 million metric tonnes per year, said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar here today.

The state exported 54 MT of ore last year, when there was no cap. Damage caused by mining to the fragile environment has been a big concern in Goa of late.

Parrikar said his government would ensure that mining did not go beyond the state's sustainable capacity.

"We can allow mining up to 40-42 MT maximum, as against 54 MT last year, which was the result of rampant illegal mining," Parrikar said.

The state has 90-odd active mining leases (sites). Parrikar, who chaired state Assembly's Public Accounts Committee which investigated illegal mining, also said that PAC's report would be handed over to Lokayukta, once the anti-corruption body came into existence in Goa.