To check illegalities, govt to inspect working mines at least two times a year

Panaji: To keep a check on mining companies and prevent them from indulging in illegal mining activity, govt has decided to conduct a minimum of two inspections each year at working mining and composite leases across the state.Govt said an inspection report must be prepared within 10 days of such an inspection and uploaded to the website of the directorate of mines and geology.Just 25% of mineral blocks auctioned by state govt since 2022 have been able to start operations in Goa. Govt conducted three auctions for 12 iron ore mineral blocks, but only three mineral blocks began their activities.State govt has now authorised the director of mines and geology, additional directors, deputy directors, geologists, mining engineers, surveying officers, and any other officers specifically empowered by the director of mines and geology to enter and inspect any mine, survey and take measurements, and weigh stocks of minerals lying therein.

They have also been authorised to examine any document, register or record that is in the possession of any one connected with any mine, and place marks of identification thereon and take extracts from or make copies of such documents, registers or records.“Examine any person having control of or connected with any mine,” director of mines and geology Narayan Gad said as part of the instructions. “Non-working and abandoned mines, or mines under prospective working or under a reconnaissance permit shall be inspected at least once a year.”

The directorate of mines and geology will maintain an inspection register providing the date of inspection, the details of the lease inspected, the details of the officer who inspected the mine, and a synopsis of the inspection itself.Goa’s mining industry kick-started operations on April 4, 2024, after a six-year shutdown, with Vedanta Sesa Goa beginning fresh extraction of ore at the Bicholim mineral block I.