Mining scam probe in Goa: Bureau to meet SIT

Times of India | 4 days ago | 06-08-2022 | 11:15 am

PANAJI: The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has called a meeting with the special investigation team (SIT) probing the Rs 35,000 crore Goa mining scam, to ascertain the technical manpower and equipment required to carry out the extensive survey of 59 mining leases. The survey is necessary to ascertain whether there was any manipulation in the extraction of iron ore. In a letter to the SIT, IBM said the bureau’s Nagpur headquarters wants to ascertain the total work required to conduct the survey. The SIT had written to the IBM asking it to conduct the detailed survey to ascertain whether there was actual iron ore extraction from them between 2007 and2012, and to find the approximate loss to the state exchequer. A senior official said that it has been nearly three months but there is no progress on the issue. The SIT’s letter to the IBM said that the survey it requested is “necessary for the purpose of investigation”. Police said that during the investigation, it came to light that 59 mining leases were operational between 2007 to 2012, and that the SIT wants to know whether there was really extraction from those leases, or some manipulation. The SIT completed a preliminary report of over 50% of the mining leases. In all, it is probing alleged violations in 126 mining leases. The report consists of verification of documents of mining leases, whom the leases were allotted to and who was operating them, and whether valid environment clearances were obtained. Based on this report, a final decision pertaining to the investigation will be taken by the SIT. The SIT had filed 16 first information reports (FIRs) in the illegal mining cases, of which eight have been chargesheeted, three have been closed, and three others transferred to the police stations concerned. Three other cases have been quashed by the court, a senior police officer said. Incidentally, not much progress has been made in the investigation, despite the SIT having probed the case for over six-and-a-half years now. On July 26, 2013, the mines department had filed a criminal complaint with the crime branch, seeking that criminal liability be fixed against those involved in the mining scam.

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Process to auction mines on in Goa: Union min to Parl

Times of India | 2 days ago | 09-08-2022 | 04:19 am

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Panaji: Union minister for coal and mines Pralhad Joshi informed the Parliament that the Goa government has initiated the process to auction off mineral blocks in Goa. He also said that the BJP-led state government in Goa has assured the Centre that it will “safeguard the welfare” of the mining-affected people.Joshi provided the information in response to a question raised by Trinamool Congress MP Luizinho Faleiro. Faleiro had asked the Centre about the efforts to restart iron ore mining in Goa.“As per the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the state governments are responsible for grant of mineral concessions through a transparent e-auction process. The government of Goa has informed that the state will explore all possibilities to safeguard the welfare of the mining affected people,” said Joshi in a written reply.He also said that the Goa government has sanctioned Rs 110.2 crore as financial relief to barge owners, mining machinery owners and truck owners. Joshi also informed Faleiro that financial relief to 6,999 truck owners amounting to Rs 147.7 crore and assistance to 2,000 mining affected unemployed workers amounting to Rs 20.9 crore has been disbursed.Asked about the Shah Commission report, which had estimated Rs 35,000 crore of loss due to illegal mining, Joshi admitted that chartered accountants have estimated a more modest Rs 352.23 crore as the total dues owed by mining companies of which an amount of Rs 80.5 crore has been recovered.

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Times of India | 3 days ago | 08-08-2022 | 04:59 am

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Times of India | 3 weeks ago | 20-07-2022 | 01:02 pm

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