MARGAO: Mining transportation in South Goa's mining belt has partly resumed following a recent truce between Vedanta's iron ore division and the South Goa truck owners' groups. Although only Vedanta has initiated ore transportation from its Codli mine since the post-monsoon mining season began, a couple of other mining firms are also likely to follow suit.
Sources in the mining industry told TOI that the current slump in the international market for iron ore has prompted mining firms in Goa to go slow on the exports of iron ore, which explains the delay in resumption of mining transportation by other companies.
Those associated with the ore transportation sector said that while 1,000-odd trucks have currently been engaged by Vedanta, the number is less than one-third of the total mining trucks lying idle for want of work.
"Currently, just one mine is operational, which has brought relief to some truck owners. Yet, thousands of others are still waiting for their trucks to get business. Unless a couple of mines resume transportation, things are unlikely to improve," president of the Dharbandora Truck Owners Association, Vinayak Gauns, told TOI.
The economies of Curchorem, Sanvordem, Sanguem and Dharbandora are still largely dependent on the mining trade, though a section of individuals had switched over to alternative means of livelihood following the mining crisis.
Mission Bypass, a people's front for sustainable mining, has been demanding a dedicated mining corridor for mining transportation for the last several years. The failure of the authorities in reining in errant truck drivers that has resulted in large number of fatal accidents over the years, has prompted Mining Bypass to consider moving the court "for the safety of the lives of the common man."
Sources in the mining industry told TOI that the current slump in the international market for iron ore has prompted mining firms in Goa to go slow on the exports of iron ore, which explains the delay in resumption of mining transportation by other companies.
Those associated with the ore transportation sector said that while 1,000-odd trucks have currently been engaged by Vedanta, the number is less than one-third of the total mining trucks lying idle for want of work.
"Currently, just one mine is operational, which has brought relief to some truck owners. Yet, thousands of others are still waiting for their trucks to get business. Unless a couple of mines resume transportation, things are unlikely to improve," president of the Dharbandora Truck Owners Association, Vinayak Gauns, told TOI.
The economies of Curchorem, Sanvordem, Sanguem and Dharbandora are still largely dependent on the mining trade, though a section of individuals had switched over to alternative means of livelihood following the mining crisis.
Mission Bypass, a people's front for sustainable mining, has been demanding a dedicated mining corridor for mining transportation for the last several years. The failure of the authorities in reining in errant truck drivers that has resulted in large number of fatal accidents over the years, has prompted Mining Bypass to consider moving the court "for the safety of the lives of the common man."
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