Shah panel rules out ban on ore export

PANJIM: Justice M B Shah commission has pointed out that staff available with the State and Central Government agencies is not enough to control the unabated illegal mining happening in the country, including Goa.

The second interim report submitted by the Commission, copy of which is available with Herald, has also ruled out ban on the export of iron ore as it will adversely affect the economy of the States. “It is pointed out that at present staff is inadequate to control illegal mining”, the report reads.

“Unless adequate staff is appointed by the State Governments in the Mines and Mineral Department and also adequate supervisory staff is appointed with Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), it would be absolutely difficult to control illegal mining”, it adds.

The Shah Commission has said that if the controlling machinery is weak and is understaffed, the illegal mining activities would continue unabated. The interim report has also said that considering the specific problems of Goa/Redi region, exports from there will have to be continued.

“The bilateral agreements with countries like Japan and Korea would necessitate that such exports at the existing levels may be continued”, it adds. Exports, thus, cannot be wished away. Exports of iron ore have been undertaken largely by merchant miners in the private sector. Any stoppage to exports could lead to closure of significant mining capacity as the volumes cannot be diverted to domestic use easily, says the report.

The Commission has observed that illegal mining, which runs into thousands of crores, has encouraged huge corruption at all different levels in public life, mafia in society and money power. “It is not only national loot, but also has deleterious effects on the national economy and society. This has to be stopped immediately and effectively”, it adds.

The main cause and incentive for this illegal mining of iron ore and manganese ore is the huge profit in the export market (mainly China), the report says. The prices of these have gone up by about 20 times without any corresponding benefit and increase to the public exchequer, it adds.

 Source:-oheraldo.in