Date | March 23, 2015: Paving the way for resumption of iron ore mining in the coastal state’s economy, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) finally issued the much-awaited order and lifted the suspension on the environment clearances (ECs) of 72 mining leases. However, this came with the rider that any violation of rules in the near future would result in direct cancellation of ECs, whose validity is valid till the expiry of mining lease period.

Of the 72 mining leases, five leases belong to Pandurang Timblo industries, five belong to Sociedade Timblo Irmaos, seven belong to Chowgule and company, four of Sesa Goa, three mines of Dempo Mining (now with Sesa Goa), three of Damodar Mangalji and two belong to Salgocar Brother. The other mining companies include Bandekar Brothers, Raghuvir Sinai Gharse, Cosme Costa, Lithoferrao, Kadnekar mines, H L Nathurmal, Shantilal Khushaldas Bros amongst others.

Nevertheless, with the present order, the lease owners would not require any fresh ECs at the time of renewal. Presently, the state government has already renewed 88 mining leases under Mines and Minerals Development Regulation (MMDR) Act.

However, out of the total 137 mining leases, whose ECs were kept in abeyance since September 14, 2012, the ECs of 18 leases have been cancelled since they were in protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries and national park. Additionally, the MoEF has also withdrawn ECs of two mining leases, Sesa Goa and Shree Jaisin Maganlal on account of submission of false data pertaining to the natural resources in their Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

Meanwhile ECs of 23 mining leases, located within one kilometer of the buffer zone, have been put for consideration after the modification of the Supreme Court order dated August 4, 2006 that prohibited mining within the one km buffer zone. Besides, MoEF has prepared a list of 22 mining leases, which continue to remain in abeyance as these are located in the forest land and have not obtained forest clearances.

(Source: http://money.livemint.com/)