Panaji, Jul 19 (IBNS): Top mining companies have encroached on government land as 37 mineral rejects are recorded with the Mines department; the Goa Legislative Assembly was informed on Thursday, July 19.

Minister for Revenue Francis D’Souza told the House that 27 mining rejects are dumped in the areas of Sattari taluka, known for dense forests; seven in Bicholim taluka and the remaining three in the mining belt.

“Dumping of iron ore has been encroached in the government revenue property. Cases against the companies are pending with different authorities including sub divisional magistrate since year 2006,” D’Souza said replying to a starred question.

The dumps belong to some of the mining companies namely M/s Dempo, Timblo, Fomento, Rajam Bandekar, M/s Sesa Goa and Salgaonkar.

In a recent decision the Goa government allowed handling of dumps which Mines and Environment and Forests (MoEF) in a notice to the government said that dumps should obtain environmental clearance before it is exported.

(Reporting by John Edwards)