Mining leases only to eco-friendly firms

by ABDUL RAUF BEIG
Posted on 2008-08-08
PANAJI - The draft mineral policy for Goa not only envisages effective utilisation, development of minerals and mineral-related activities but also to generate revenues for the socio-economic development for the state through scientific methods of mining, beneficiation and optimum utilisation.
The policy also states that though mining industry in Goa has contributed immensely to the economic development of the state it has also caused certain environmental degradation, which needs to be addressed.
The draft policy recently revealed also says that the state has fairly good reserves of iron ore, and that the other minerals of importance found here include manganese ore, bauxite/aluminous laterite and moulding sand in addition to minor minerals such as basalt/granite metal, laterite stones, river sand etc.
Occurrences of soapstone deposits in parts of Sattari and Quepem talukas need to be considered for investigation. Residual placer deposits such as those of gold should be actively investigated. Similarly, studies could also be carried out for offshore minerals along the coast of Goa especially for petroleum and manganese nodules.
The government is concerned with issues of conservation of minerals and sustainable development and as such would discourage opening existing dormant leases uniformly, states the policy adding that no dormant lease would be permitted to work without an environmental clearance and forest clearance, wherever required.
Mining leases/prospecting licenses within close proximity from already declared wild life sanctuaries would be considered provided they adhere to additional safeguards and guidelines whilst operating so as to reduce any adverse effect to the environment. It would also be the endeavour of the state government to ensure that mining activities do not create an adverse impact on the environment and ecology.
The policy also speaks that the government should take necessary steps to provide for good quality infrastructure and also for necessary framework for private participation in infrastructural development.
The state government should endeavour to provide good quality and uninterrupted power to the mining and related industries. Reuse of water within mining leases needs to be enhanced. Effective care also needs to be taken to avoid pollution of rivers, surface water bodies by beneficiation plants and ancillary activities of the mining operation. Also, use of explosives along rivers or water bodies should be avoided.
The draft policy also states that there is a need to ensure that adequate protective measures are taken to facilitate irrigation facilities and agriculture in the vicinity of active mining areas. Roadside plantations and physical barriers for arresting siltation need to be pursued vigorously along mining roads so as to reduce seepages into fields.
The state government would also look into the possibility of additional rakes of iron ore to be brought down to Goa from neighbouring states. This would also partly bring down the usage of road infrastructure, the draft policy says adding that the government should also focus on improvement of navigable channels in the future.
In regard to resettlement and rehabilitation of the families and persons displaced by mining projects, the government should ensure systematic and proper resettlement and rehabilitation of such families with a view to ensure active participation and to alleviate hardships caused by such displacements.
The government is also of the view that while it is necessary to earmark mining areas, presently, no prospecting leases should be allotted in wild life sanctuaries and national parks. Similarly, no prospecting leases on wetlands should be allowed for time being. In order to facilitate extraction of river sand and give employment to economically weaker sections of the community, the government should consider permitting extraction in Chapora, Tiracol, Mandovi and Zuari rivers on selective stretches of riverbeds, which do not interfere with safe navigation and do not cause any problem of erosion.