Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday appealed to residents and panchayats in mining areas to cooperate with the industry’s revival and avoid what he termed unnecessary opposition to mining projects. He said the state govt is working on a framework to determine compensation, surface rights, land rights and transportation rates to bring greater clarity to the sector.Sawant said full-fledged mining activity is expected to commence by Dec, creating employment and self-employment opportunities. At a meeting with mine leaseholders, the chief secretary and officials of the forest and environment departments, he directed authorities to expedite approvals for pending mining blocks.He also said leaseholders have been instructed to prioritise local workers and machinery.“We have been able to auction leases after great difficulties. That is why people should cooperate and should not unnecessarily oppose it. Mining will give us large revenue. Trucks and people will get work. Those whose compensation, surface rights or land rights are involved, govt will decide rates and they (mine leaseholders) will pay you accordingly. Issues cannot be resolved through protest but through dialogue. We are doing sustainable mining. We are not saying carry out mining by harming environment,” said the CM.Sawant said the Kurpem-Sulcorna mineral block in South Goa is expected to be among the first to become operational, while eight to nine more blocks are likely to be auctioned by Dec.“We will fast track public hearing and other processes. Dumps auctions will be carried out. Chowgule, Vedanta and Salgaonkar, all of them are in the process of starting it. We are trying our best to start mining in a big way. In the case of auctioned dumps on govt land, surface rights issues will be resolved by govt and others should cooperate. So mining can begin in three tiers,” said Sawant.According to the CM, 17 mineral blocks have been auctioned in Goa so far, of which six have become operational, while the remaining are awaiting forest and environment clearances.“I have directed that the process be fast-tracked,” said Sawant.“Govt is streamlining the mining industry. Maximum benefit, self-employment generation will take place for locals,” he said.
