Goa: Mines auction plan faces hurdle as companies threaten to move court

PANAJI: The state’s decision to auction four mining block to restart the industry is likely to hit a roadblock, as former leaseholders — whose leases have been put up for auction — urged the state to withdraw the auction notice, failing which they will go to court.
N S Narvekar of Kalay Mines, in a letter to the directorate of mines and geology, said that the government’s September 30 decision was premature and is “a clear attempt on your part to overreach the judicial process, and borders on interference with the administration of justice”.
“We call upon you to withdraw the notice inviting tender within seven days from the date of receipt of this representation, or in the alternative, defer the date for submission of bids till the final adjudication of civil appeals pending before the Supreme Court in the Goa abolition matters, and till the high court renders its decision, failing which we will be constrained to issue public notice putting the prospective tender document purchaser or prospective bidder to notice, and also move the high court and bring your conduct and actions to its notice, and pray for appropriate action against you”.
The mining companies had challenged the decision of the DMG, to vacate the mining leases, in the high court.
“The high court, being seized of the matter and after having heard elaborate arguments, has reserved the matter for pronouncement of judgment, your attempt to offer our leases for auction demonstrates scant respect for the judicial process and undue haste,” Narvekar said.
A senior government official said that they have also received a letter from Rajaram Bandekar (Sirigao) Mine Pvt Ltd.
TOI was first to report on Friday that four mineral blocks will be up for auction — Bicholim, Sirigao-Mayem and Monte de Sirigao in North Goa, and Kalay in South Goa.
As per the state government records, the lessee of the Monte de Sirigao mine was Rajarm Bandekar (Sirigao) Mine Pvt Ltd, while Sesa Mining Corporation was the lessee of Bicholim mines, N S Narvekar of the Kalay block and Chowgule & Co Pvt Ltd of the Sirigao-Mayem block.
The total concession area of the Sirigao-Mayem block is over 171 hectare, the Kalay block is over 179 hectare, the Bicholim block over 478 hectare and the Monte de Sirigao block over 95 hectares.