News and Events

Goa to cap iron ore exports

Goa chief minister Mr Manohar Parrikar said that BJP led Goa government has decided to cap the iron ore exports from the coastal state at 40 to 42 million tonnes per year.

Mr Parrikar said his government would ensure that mining did not go beyond the state's sustainable capacity. He said that "We can allow mining up to 40-42 MT maximum, as against 54 million tonnes last year, which was the result of rampant illegal mining.”

Mr Parrikar said that the state has 90 odd active mining leases (sites).

Mr Parrikar, who chaired state Assembly's Public Accounts Committee which investigated illegal mining, also said that PAC's report would be handed over to Lokayukta, once the anti-corruption body came into existence in Goa.

The state exported 54 million tonnes of ore last year, when there was no cap. Damage caused by mining to the fragile environment has been a big concern in Goa of late.