PANAJI: The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) will soon get
the go-ahead for two iron ore mining leases in the state, the Monte de Sirigao
Block III and the Advalpale-Thivim Block V, and has recommended to the State
Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) that these blocks be granted
environment clearances (ECs).
The SEAC pointed out that the two leases are subject to the terms of the
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, even though it was
recommending EC to the two mineral blocks. In addition, the proponents of the
projects are required to secure approvals under any other Act that may be
relevant to them.
The SEAC stated in its report that the ECs’ grant is contingent on the resolution
of two public interest lawsuits (PILs): writ petition 2029 of 2023 (Suresh
Govind Gaonkar & others v. the directorate of Mines) contesting the state’s
decision to proceed with the mine auction, and writ petition 592 of 2022 (MSPL
v. the state of Goa), which questions the constitutionality of phase I of the
auction’s tender documents.
According to the report, the state government needs to give the two project
proponents permission to start up again after they make good on any outstanding
debts.
It declares that, in accordance with the August 17, 2017, ruling of the Supreme
Court, any recompense for illegal mining should go to the Directorate of Mines
and Geology.
The other requirements set forth by SEAC have to do with following the action
plan that was created during the public hearing and keeping an eye on the
quality of the air, water, and noise during mining.
In addition, the SEAC has ordered the two project backers to disclose their 20
million-ton mining capacity in accordance with the state’s yearly mining cap
set by the Supreme Court. At its 207th meeting, the SEAC recommended ECs for
the two mineral blocks.
It should be recalled that this year’s public hearings for the Advalpale-Thivim
mineral block V were held on March 15 and the Monte de Sirigao mineral block
III on January 18.