The government of the western Indian state of Goa has renewed 89 iron ore mining leases, up from the 59 mining leases that were operational last year, a government official said.
The official said that each of the 89 mining lease holders will now have to get separate “consents to operate” from the directorate of mines and geology based on their submissions on environmental protection, transportation and stocking norms.
Since last month, 19 mining lease holders have been able to secure consent from the designated authority, he added.
However, mining operations in Goa are yet to resume after the end of the monsoon season even though 23 days have now passed since the official mining resumption date of October 1.