PANAJI
Locals from Advalpale-Thivim came out in support of resumption of iron ore mining block-V- at Bicholim during the public hearing held on Friday. The block is owned by Fomento Resources Pvt Ltd.
The mining company needs the environmental clearance to extract 0.30 million tonnes of ore every year. Nearly 200 people attended the hearing, of which more than 90 per cent were in favour of recommencing iron ore activities at the block.
The environment public hearing was conducted by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The locals gathered at the public hearing were unanimous in saying that resumption of mining will restart the economic activities in the village. They, however, demanded that locals should be given first preference in jobs at the mining site and its related activities.
They also urged authorities to ensure that all permissions to the mine are fast tracked so that it can start operations from the coming season.
Narayan Salgonkar, ex Sarpanch said "I have seen the kind of facilities and amenities the mining company has created for the village, be it education, health or social activity. Hence, it is very important that we support this company to resume the mining activities".
Siddhesh Gaonkar, a local said “we are in support of mining but our only demand is that the jobs should be given to villagers. There is inflation and cost of living is very high…there are many villagers who are unemployed or without any earning as everyone was dependent on mining”.
Another local, Shrikant Dhargalkar said “we want mining activities to resume at the earliest and jobs given to villagers. At the same time, the mining company will have to take care that there is no damage to our agriculture and other sources”.
The iron ore mining lease, for which Letter of Intent was issued in July 2023, is spread over an area of 36.2202 ha. The proposed iron ore extraction capacity permitted is 0.30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
Based on the exploration data provided in the Geological Report by the Directorate of Mines and Geology the total mineral reserves/resources of Iron Ore is 3.828 million tonnes.
The estimated life of the mine is 15 years and shall increase based upon the future exploration. However, the Mining Lease will be valid for a period of 50 years from the date of registration of the Executed Mining Lease Deed.
As per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted by the company, there are few habitats that exist towards the eastern boundary of the mining lease. The famous Murlidhar Temple and Pimpleshwar Temple exist near the Eastern boundary of the Mineral Block. Similarly, St Michael’s Chapel is at an aerial distance of 1.8 km in the South East direction.
The project proponent has claimed that the mining activities will create direct employment to 90 locals apart from generating indirect employment.
