After environmental monitoring action group Goa Foundation appealed for the shutdown of all mines in the Indian state of Goa, the Pollution Control Board of Goa state sent a notice to shut down 45 local iron ore mines which do not have effective environmental permits.
Bombay High Court had previously ruled to suspend operations of a mine in Goa as the mine's environmental permit was out of date. Subsequently, Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares submitted many petition files to the court claiming all kinds of infringements were being committed by iron ore mines in Goa and requesting the closure of all these mines. He said the mines in question produce low grade iron ore fines for export, without bringing any benefit to the local people.