Digital Goa, May 15 – Goa government has mandated a 150-meter buffer zone around the Lairai temple and an 80-meter zone around Dhondanchi Tali. These clauses have been incorporated into the mining leases of Salgaonkar Mining (Block 2) and Bandekar Mines (Block 3), informed Narayan Gad, Director of Mines and Geology. Mining operations by Salgaocar Shipping in Block 2 at Shirgao, Mayem commenced today, with an undertaking in place ensuring that no mining or dumping will occur within the designated buffer zones. With this, three out of 12 auctioned iron ore blocks have become operational, and two more are expected to begin operations in the coming months.
Rs 260 crore received as upfront payment from auctioned mining leases
The government has so far received Rs 260 crore as upfront payment from the 12 auctioned blocks. Royalty revenue has begun flowing from two active blocks. The 12 blocks have a combined environmental clearance (EC) limit of 12 million tonnes per annum, within the Supreme Court-imposed cap of 20 million tonnes. The remaining 8 million tonnes of capacity is expected to be auctioned by July.
