The Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association has advised the Government against imposition of a cap on ore extraction in the state and said the decision should be left to the mining companies themselves.

A GMOEA spokesman said “Any cap is generally a deterrent. Prima facie, a deterrent is always debatable to any trade chamber due to differing opinions. Each one of course has its own merits.”

He said that “Moreover, we feel mining companies themselves should decide on these issues.”

The spokesman said “ISM has started the study. It will give some indication of the cap. However, having said this, we also wish to add that adequate measures should be adopted to minimize the impact of such operations.”

Responding to a question, the GMOEA said it does not support illegal mining activity in the state. The mining industry has said that state authorities should also make a clear distinction about illegalities and irregularities in the mining sector.

He said “The facts of each case will differ and there cannot be a common conclusion for such cases, adding that mining can be said to be illegal if one is producing ore without having a valid mining lease under the MMDR Act or possibly working in notified forest areas without approval of the MoEF.”

On the other hand, he asserted that “Irregularities can mean not being in full compliance with numerous terms and conditions under which a lessee has to work with a valid mining lease. In this regard, the magnitude of the irregularity is an important factor to be considered.”

(Sourced from www.thehindubusinessline.com)