Goa notifies mining rules, clears 85 leases

Days after revoking the earlier suspension of mining operations, the government of Goa has opened the minerals exploration sector, clearing 85 licences, including the ones of Sesa Sterlite. ´The Goa Grant of Mining Leases Policy´ allows mineral exploration for even leaseholders that had violated substantially provisions of the state or Centre´s laws. In the draft guidelines, the government had said violators may be denied grant of renewal under the new provisions. The notification classifies such leases under Category-III, similar to the draft guidelines. ´Such mining companies which have already been issued show-cause notices or where a hearing is in progress for various violations and upon the decision thereof by the State government will be considered and given time for payment of stamp duty and other charges leviable and payable,´said the notification.