PANJIM | Jan 15, 2016: The Laxmikant Parsekar-led government has conceded that the closure of the mining industry in 2012 impacted the socio-economic status of people but admitted that the government has not conducted any study on the ‘auctioning of the mines’.

“The stoppage of mining activities in the State has impacted economy. There is huge socio-economic impact on co-related activities including truck owners, barge machinery owners, employees and truck drivers,” the CM said. in a written reply tabled on the floor of the House on Thursday.

To a question tabled by Congress’ Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco whether there was a study of auctioning of mines before granting renewal to mining leases, Parsekar, also the Mines Minister, replied in the negative. As on date, 89 mining leases have been granted second renewal whereas one lease has been granted first renewal till 2018. The reply also mentions that seven leases started production after lifting the ban last year. Total iron ore extracted till December 2015 is 10,27,860 metric tonnes.

Parsekar further stated that the government notified the one-time settlement scheme wherein banks were asked to settle loans of people dependent on the mining industry.

(Source: http://www.heraldgoa.in/)