the goan I network
PANAJI
Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) has said that abrupt stoppage of mining will impact 1.5-2 lakh of the State’s population.
In a letter written to the State government, President, GMOEA, Ambar Timblo said, “Loss of direct and indirect employment with the industry would be in the range of 60,000 and including the dependents the figure would be roughly around 1.5-2 lakh of the population.”
GMOEA’s letter highlighted the significant economic and social impact of the Supreme Court’s February 7 order, which has cancelled all the mining leases in the State. As per the SC order, the mining leases cannot be functional from March 16 and the apex court had directed the Centre and the Goa government to grant fresh environmental clearances to them.
GMOEA’s letter also says that the closure of mining will mean Rs 3,400 crore yearly revenue/taxes loss to the mining dependents/government.
The letter says that the central and the State government together would lose Rs 1,000 crore per year in several taxes, which mining companies pay to them.
The owners of trucks, barges and ancillary units will lose a combined revenue of another Rs 1,000 crore when mining companies stop operations from March 16. Besides, operators and excavators will lose Rs 1,200 crore yearly revenue.
GMOEA emphasised that abrupt closure of mining will badly affect all the stakeholders because they don’t have alternate source of livelihood.
The letter also says that loans given to truck/machinery/barge owners will become non-preforming-assets (NPA) because their earning potential will be greatly reduced.
GMOEA has made an appeal to the State government that the genuine concerns of the mining industry should be addressed at the highest forum to protect the livelihoods of mining dependents and to overcome adverse impact on State’s economy.
