Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 2: In a move that could expedite the revival of iron ore mining in Goa, the Advisory Committee of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has agreed to allow the transfer of forest clearance from previous leaseholders to new mining leaseholders without the need for a fresh permit.

The decision, taken during the Committee's meeting on July 25, marks a crucial step toward restarting mining operations that were halted after the Supreme Court cancelled 88 mining leases in the state. These blocks are now being auctioned, and 12 mineral blocks have already been allotted, with four more expected to go under the hammer soon.

The approval transfer will take place under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, provided that the new leaseholders fully comply with all terms and conditions of the original forest clearance, as well as any updated rules and guidelines issued since.

The Goa government had earlier requested the continuation of forest clearances under Section 8B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021, allowing the seamless transition of permits to new operators. While Environmental Clearances (ECs) previously issued were deemed cancelled, the status of Forest (FC) and Wildlife (WL) clearances remained unclear, prompting the state to seek clarification and continuity to avoid bureaucratic delays.

In its recommendation, the Advisory Committee cited the December 2023 Consolidated Guidelines, which permit such transfers on a case-by-case basis, provided that certain compliance conditions are met. These include:

• Updated status of compensatory afforestation
• Proof of Net Present Value (NPV) payments
• Progress on Reclamation and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plans
• Reports on utilization of conservation funds by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
• Actions taken on any violations committed by former leaseholders
• Approval status of forest land in safety zones

With this clearance mechanism now in place, Goa’s mining sector—which has been dormant for years—is set to see a faster resumption of activity, offering a potential boost to both the state’s economy and employment landscape.