Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jul 19: Advocate general Devidas Pangam said that the crucial mining matter is likely to come up for hearing in the Supreme Court on July 20. The hearing is likely to decide on the resumption of mining activities in the state.
After the high court of Bombay at Goa dismissed the special mining companies petition challenging the Goa, Daman and Diu (Abolition and Declaration of Mining Leases) Act, 1987, the companies had filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court.
The mining companies had been granted mining concessions during the Portuguese era, which were then converted into mining leases under the act. The special leave petition had stated that the Act should be made applicable from 1987, instead of 1961.
Under the MMDR Act, mining companies had contended that they are entitled to extend their leases to 2037.