From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 18: Goa’s mineral and ore exporters today alleged that few mines are operational in the state even without a lease being granted by the local government.
 
“In a few case, there even appear to be mining activities carried out without even a lease being granted,” Goa mineral ore exporters association (GMOEA) alleged today in a press note welcoming state’s decision to form a committee to curb illegal mining.
 
“The demand for iron ore leases in Goa is on the increase and there are instances wherein holders of these non operational leases have been approached by traders with intent of operating them for quick gains,” association’s secretary Glen Kalavampara said in a press note released here.
 
The association said that such mines do not comply with necessary norms and regulations that are statutorily followed by established mining companies.
 
Kalavampara alleged that there are numerous instances of ore been stolen from dumps and stacks of major mining companies at night as well as pilferage in cases of spillage by the transporters.
 
“This ore finds its way to unscrupulous buyers who are now gaining entry into export of bulk minerals,” he pointed out.
 
The association, which accounts for 33 million tones of ore exported from the state’s 100-odd mining leases, said that while growth in business is welcome, that being done by irregular means needs to be condemned.
 
The exporters have appealed the state government to curb the illegal mining trade, an activity by `short term players’ who have appeared in the market due to hike in demand for iron ore in China.
 
“Apart from flaunting laws for temporal gains, such uncontrolled activities by short term players affect the operations of the mainstream industry as all gets tarred with the same brush,” he said.
 
The association has lamented that the recent growth of mining activities has led to some activities which have affected the image of the overall mining industry in Goa.
 
“Due to the demand in the market, many new players who do not have any long term interests in the mining business have been attracted to carry out mining and processing activities with the sole aim of deriving short term benefits and with scant regard to accountability, sustainability, infrastructure or environmental concerns,” Kalavampara alleged.
 
The exporters, who comprise major mining players from the state, has for the first time has openly conceded illegal mining trade in the state, which was hitherto exposed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the floor of the house.