Supreme Court quashes mining lease renewals for Goa miners

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sets aside the mining lease renewals to Goa miners, and said that mining activity will be allowed only till March 16.

Supreme Court also asked the Central government to start a fresh process of auction for mining companies in Goa.

The court had suspended mining in the state in October 2012 after the Justice MB Shah Commission found that millions of tonnes of iron ore were being extracted illegally.

However, the state government in 2015 renewed 88 mining leases owned by the same holders accused of illegal mining.

Goa is India's second-biggest iron ore producing state and produces more than 50 million tonnes annually and exports most of it, making it also the top exporter.

OneIndia News