Digital Goa, Nov 23 – Mining, Forest & Environment department officials have been asked by CM Pramod Sawant to expedite the process for next round of auctioning of mining blocks. In all 9 mining blocks have already been auctioned by the govt in the first two phases of auctioning. Govt aims to auction 86 mining leases in the state over a period of time. Sawant chaired a high level meeting on mining yesterday evening. “Reviewed issues related to mining of major minerals. Directed the officials of DMG, Forest, Environment to expedite the next round of auction of mining blocks and other pending issues,” said CM. Issues related to minor mining industry like obtaining environmental clearances, lease renewal, approval of quarry plan, issue of royalty or transit pass, fines, etc. were also discussed in the meeting. “Gave directions to officials to clear pending issues in time bound manner,” Sawant informed. In Jan 2023, govt had announced that all 86 mining leases would be auctioned within 3 months time.
