Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday assured the public that the iron ore mining in the state will restart in the next three months through the state-run Goa Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC).
Addressing a gathering in Dharbandora Taluka of South Goa, which is a prominent mining belt, Chief Minister Sawant said that people can hope to get occupation in the mining industry within the next three months.
“I am fully aware about the pain you have faced due to the closure of the mining industry. I also live in the mining belt. The state government has been pressing hard to ensure that the mining industry resumes. We have not left any options. But the issue is pending before the Supreme Court,” Sawant said.
The state government has formed the Mining Corporation to provide a permanent solution for the industry, he said
In the recently concluded three-day monsoon assembly session, the Goa government was able to pass the Goa Mineral Development Corporation Bill, 2021, to initiate the mining activities in the state through a state-owned Mining Corporation.
Mining in Goa has been suspended since 2018 after Supreme Court quashed the second renewal of 88 mining leases.
Last month, the apex court had dismissed a petition seeking to review its February 2018 order that cancelled the operation of 88 mining leases of the state.