Panaji: The Goa government will start the process of auctioning its Iron Ore mining leases in next two to three months, State Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters on Tuesday.
Sawant said that the State Department of Mining and Geology has been asked to fast pace all the formalities so that the process of auctioning can start.
The State government had formed Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited to explore the possibility of auctioning nearly 90 mining leases in the coastal state.
The mining industry in the state has come to standstill since 2018 after Supreme Court quashed 88 mining leases.
Sawant on Tuesday said that the State Bank of India has been appointed as a consultant to oversee the entire process of auctioning of the mining leases in Goa.
“We will start the process of auctioning in next 2-3 months,” the chief minister said.
On Tuesday, the chief minister held review meeting of the mining department in Panaji which was attended by high ranking officials.
Talking about the illegalities in the mining sector, which was pointed out through a panel of Chartered Accountants and its recovery, Sawant said that the notices for recovery of Rs 300 crore was issued to the mining firms of which Rs 120 crore is recovered.
“The notices of Rs 180 crore has been challenged by the mining firms in the court,” he said.
Sawant said that the Special Investigation Team of Crime Branch which was formed to investigate into the illegal mining scam has also been asked to submit its report as soon as possible.
