Dumping problems hog the limelight at FIMI’s AGM in Delhi
The Goan Network
PANAJI
The Union Ministry of Mines were apprised of the most pressing concerns the industry is facing in Goa at the 49th annual general meeting of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), which was held in Delhi Monday.
Harish Melwani, an owner of a mining firm and a member of FIMI’s managing committee said, “We brought to the notice of the union mines minister and mines secretary that dumping should be allowed inside the lease area in Goa. Besides, we also brought to their attention that Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) in Goa is not following the amended Mines and Minerals Development Regulation Act (MMRDA) of 2015.”
As per the Supreme Court’s judgement of April 2014, the mining companies aren’t allowed to dump outside the lease area. Another rule says that even within the lease area, companies can’t dump in the mineralised zone (that area of lease, which has minerals). Therefore, leaseholders can dump only within the lease area and that too where there is no ore. This leaves very little space for mining companies to dump within the lease area. It was in this context that union ministry was informed of dumping issues in the State.
It is also reported that DMG in Goa has taken a stand that mining leases were determined in 2007. This implies that it will be assumed that leases stand cancelled if a company remained silent in 2007 on the question of renewal. But, the law says that the contract can’t come to an end if the party isn’t given a chance for hearing. This was the reason this matter was brought to the notice of union ministry. Sources also revealed that mining leases across India will run into trouble if other states also take DMG’s stand on determination.
