Murky mining

Murky mining

The Supreme Court order to halt the murky course that mining has taken in Goa should help restore some balance to the exploitation of iron and manganese ore in the ecologically fragile State.

Context:

The Supreme Court has cancelled 88 mining leases given by Goa government for violating procedure

What has happened?

• The Supreme Court has cancelled 88 mining leases granted by the Goa government for violating procedure and ordered that fresh licences be granted through a bidding process
• These leases, which were renewed for the second time, would run till March 15 after which they would lapse
• The court said the government’s process of renewing the mining permits was “in violation of law”.
• The apex court also directed setting up of a special investigation team (SIT), which would include a chartered accountant, for recovery of money the companies made after the mining permits were renewed.
• The court was responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Goa Foundation in 2015, questioning the lease renewal

Significance of Court’s Decision:

• The environmental impact of mining is colossal
• The Supreme Court’s decision to halt mining is expected to help restore some balance to the exploitation of iron and manganese ore in the ecologically fragile state.

Way Forward:

• Goa has argued that the mining industry is crucial to its economy as it brings in foreign exchange, provides employment and supports a transport industry.
• However, it is also true that the ore mined in the State is low in iron, reducing its value to the domestic steel industry.
• Given that mining has a severe destructive impact on the ecology, resumption of large-scale activity should await a scientific audit of how sustainable it is.
• Further, the Supreme Court’s decision has given Goa the opportunity to change the course and become a mainstream tourist state.