Supreme Court mining order to hit jobs, Goa miners tell PMO
A Goa miners’ body on Monday took its concerns to the Prime Minister’s Office over the impact of a Supreme Court order that quashed the second renewal of 88 iron ore mining leases on the state’s economy and jobs.
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) President Ambar Timblo told
PTI that they met “Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Nripendra Misra”, and apprised the PMO about the impact of closure of mining operations from March 15 following the SC order.
Timblo said the secretary listened to their “problems patiently”, but did not elaborate whether the delegation was given any assurance.
In a letter submitted to the PMO, the miners’ body updated the top office about the adverse impact of closure of mining operations on those dependent on the industry and the loss of revenue for the state exchequer, Timblo said.
“The effect on the economy, employment and investment credibility going forward, as this is the worst economic event in recent history,” he said.
The immediate impact would be loss of about 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and about ~34 billion revenue loss. In last ten years, Goa has contributed nearly ~300 billion, he said.
Goa miners and other stakeholders have been running from the pillar to post to gather support after the apex court held as illegal the renewal given to companies for 88 iron ore mining leases in the state.
Earlier in the day, an all-party delegation from Goa also met Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal and urged them to help the iron ore mining industry, which is staring at a crisis.
“We extend our thanks to you for your much needed support for resumption mining in Goa in 2015 and subsequently reducing the export duty for low grade iron ore progressively in 2016,” the letter to the PMO said.
The body further said mining in state has existed for for over 70 years. The sector has given employment to lakhs of people and generates huge amount of revenue.
Even before the District Mineral Fund came into effect in 2015, mining companies in state voluntarily contributed towards sustainable development through mineral foundation of Goa and have been responsible in societal development by setting up infrastructure such as bridges, educational institutions and medical facilities.