MPT appeals not to export illegal iron ore
PTI, PANAJI | 05 August 2011 11:05 IST
After being named in the Karnataka Lokayukta report, the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) in Goa, has appealed Iron Ore exporters to help it from being used for illegal exports.
In the high level meeting held on Wednesday in the port town of Vasco, MPT Chairman P Mara Pandiyan said restrains need to be put in place so that only legally extracted ore is exported through the port.
The representatives of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA), a body of the exporters, and the mining industry representatives were present for the meeting which was held at the backdrop of Justice Santosh Hegde report.
Justice Hegde report had stated that MPT was being used to export the illegal iron ore extracted from various mining sites in Karnataka.
They had also said that the ore which was brought as a raw material for sponge and pig iron plants was exported through the port.
Pandiyan urged the exporters to follow all the regulations so only legally permissible iron ore is brought to MPT for export.
MPT sources stated that the exporters attending the meeting unanimously agreed with the Chairman and said that none of them indulged in the illegal mining of ore exports.
They added that they produce NOCs for every shipment to that effect to the port authority, which is adequate evidence, sources said.
MPT which is embarking on the expansion plans also held discussion with the iron ore exporters about the target of iron ore exports for the forthcoming mining season beginning from September-October.
The mining representatives said that the targets cannot be fixed considering the volatile situation prevailing in the state due to environmental issues and also agitations by locals.
Can the mining be phased out slowly? Can the mining contribute to development of the State by way of higher Royalty to at least partly compensate for the damage that it is causing? Can a consultant be appointed who could realistically and impartially assess the damage that the activity is causing to the Land and its people vis a vis the benefits? The Justice Hegde report shows as to how the efforts of the CM to raise the Royalty to just Rs 1000/ truck --failed miserably. When the laws are twisted to suit vested interests....can it be called rule of law????