Goa: Mining-body warns of layoffs if govt doesn't provide clarity
Goa's mining industry body GMOEA sought clarity from the government on the commencement of mining operations in the state, warning that failure to do so could amount to "harsh decisions", including mass layoffs. However, GMOEA ruled out any immediate job losses in the mining sector on account of the Supreme Court (SC) quashing the second renewal of iron ore mining leases in the state.
Industry eagerly awaiting clarity from the government
"Companies are concerned and do not want to take any harsh decisions, including job layoffs, and to ensure that it does not reach that point," said Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) President Ambar Timblo. "The industry is eagerly awaiting clarity from the government as to how and when mining operations may commence," the GMOEA president said.
SC quashes second renewal of iron ore mining leases
Around 88,000 to 89,000 workers are employed in Goa's mining industry, Timblo said. Last month, the SC had quashed the second renewal of iron ore mining leases given to 88 companies in 2015. The court had said it was giving time till March 15 to mining leaseholders, who were granted a second renewal in violation of its previous directions, to manage their affairs.
No decision on fresh renewals of leases taken
The SC's order, Timblo said, was also one month old and no decision has been taken anywhere right now. "We hope certain clarity will come and I personally say that it should come in the next two months," he said. This is the second big blow to the industry, which had faced closure in 2012 also following the directives of the SC.
