PANJIM | Nov 30, 2017: The State government is in the process of drafting the new Minor Mineral Rules under which mineral concession for minor minerals, including sand extraction, is likely to be issued through auction.

“We are in the process of drafting the minor mineral policy, which will be in place in the next six months. We intend to regularise the sand extraction leases in the State living no scope for any illegalities,” Mines and Geology Assistant Director Neha Panvelkar said.

During the recent CCEC meeting, Mines Director Prasanna Acharya had informed that the State is in the process of drafting the rules and that concession for minor minerals would be granted through auction.

The department is also considering adopting the Mining Surveillance System (MSS) and Star Rating system for minor minerals, which is already in force for major minerals. MSS has already been utilised for 65 iron ore mining leases and 42 triggers have been generated and all inspected.

Further, the government is considering setting up a District Mineral Fund for minor minerals. The Fund is in place for iron ore mining in the State, and was constituted following an amendment to the MMDR Act.

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