Green nod for 2 more mining leases soon

Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) will soon get the go-ahead for two iron ore mining leases in the state, the Monte de Sirigao Block III and the Advalpale-Thivim Block V, and has recommended to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) that these blocks be granted environment clearances (ECs).
The SEAC pointed out that the two leases are subject to the terms of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, even though it was recommending EC to the two mineral blocks. In addition, the proponents of the projects are required to secure approvals under any other Act that may be relevant to them.
The SEAC stated in its report that the ECs’ grant is contingent on the resolution of two public interest lawsuits (PILs): writ petition 2029 of 2023 (Suresh Govind Gaonkar & others v. the directorate of Mines) contesting the state’s decision to proceed with the mine auction, and writ petition 592 of 2022 (MSPL v. the state of Goa), which questions the constitutionality of phase I of the auction’s tender documents.
According to the report, the state government needs to give the two project proponents permission to start up again after they make good on any outstanding debts.
It declares that, in accordance with the August 17, 2017, ruling of the Supreme Court, any recompense for illegal mining should go to the Directorate of Mines and Geology.
The other requirements set forth by SEAC have to do with following the action plan that was created during the public hearing and keeping an eye on the quality of the air, water, and noise during mining.
In addition, the SEAC has ordered the two project backers to disclose their 20 million-ton mining capacity in accordance with the state’s yearly mining cap set by the Supreme Court. At its 207th meeting, the SEAC recommended ECs for the two mineral blocks.
It should be recalled that this year’s public hearings for the Advalpale-Thivim mineral block V were held on March 15 and the Monte de Sirigao mineral block III on January 18.