The Goa government has temporarily suspended operations of all the working mines in the state, pending verification of documents relating to mining activity and environmental clearances.

Principal Secretary (Mining) Mr RK Verma said in his order “It is necessary in order to scrutinize clearances obtained by the mining lease holders and allowing continuation of mining without proper scrutiny and verification of requisite approval.”

The order by the state's mines and geology department specifies that the suspension of mining operation shall not affect trade and transportation of ore already mined and existing in the lease hold area, in transit or stored or stocked on jetties".

It comes three days after an enquiry commission headed by Justice MB Shah exposed an illegal mining scam to the tune of INR 35,000 crore in Goa's iron ore mines.

Source - NDTV

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