PANAJI: The State Government will seek a clarification from the Bombay High Court at Goa over whether the 5.7 million metric tonnes of ore that is lying outside the leasehold areas, but for which royalty has been paid, can be exported.
A 66-page affidavit to be filed before the Court when the matter comes up for hearing on Wednesday was approved by the 3-member Cabinet Advisory Committee on Tuesday.
Since the February 8 order by the Supreme Court which said that all mining operations should cease by March 16, mining leaseholders and traders have exported around 2 million tonnes of ore.
Earlier the HC had, through an interim order, halted the transport of ore after the Director of Mines and Geology failed to assure the court that the transport was within the scope of the order passed by SC.
However, a group of exporters approached SC which allowed the transportation of ore which is stacked at jetties and referred the matter back to the High Court.
