Fomento Resources, Bandekar Mines get environmental clearance
PANAJI
The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has granted environmental clearance (EC) to Fomento Resources Pvt Ltd for its Advalpale-Thivim Mineral block (V) and Monte De Sirigao Mineral block belonging to Rajaram Bandekar Mines Pvt Ltd -- both located in Bicholim taluka.
During its meeting held last month, SEIAA, after scrutiny of the documents decided to grant EC to both the mineral blocks. While Fomento Resources proposes the production of 0.30 million tonnes of iron ore annually from Advalpale-Thivim mineral block, Rajaram Bandekar Mines has sought EC for the production of 0.5 million tonnes of ore annually.
The mineral block, which was purchased by Fomento Resources covers an area of 36.22 hectares. The public hearing for the same was held on February 13, 2024 while the public hearing of Monte De Sirigai mine was held in January. The total area of the mineral block is 95.67 Ha.
While granting EC under EIA notification 2006, SEIAA has said that the project proponent has to obtain all the required approvals clearances under all other Acts and Regulations, as applicable for the commencement of the operations.
"The Environmental Clearance to the aforementioned project is under provisions of EIA Notification, 2006. It does not tantamount to approvals/consent/permissions etc. required to be obtained under any other Act/Rule/regulation,” SEIAA said while directing to implement the commitments made in the Environment Management Plan by introducing the mitigation measures.
The project proponent has to obtain NOC from the local authority for drawing the groundwater for the project activities, failing which the State Pollution Authority is debarred from granting Consent under Air and Water Act.
SEIAA has asked the company to ensure local employment and to organise employment-based apprenticeship/ internship training programmes every year with appropriate stipends for the youth and other programmes to enhance the skills of the local people.
In a bid to mitigate dust pollution, SEIAA has asked the project proponent to explore the possibility of replacing the existing trucks of 10.5 tonnes with higher capacity trucks of 25 tonnes in consultation with the stakeholders and the interest of the local community.
The SEIAA has also said that a separate iron ore transportation route from the lease area be considered, apart from maintaining the timing to ensure that there is no impact on surrounding human habitation.
