Panaji, Feb 26 (PTI): Union environment ministry has decided to revoke suspension of the environmental clearances of mining leases to Goa, effected by the previous Congress government in 2012 over allegations of illegal mining.

The move will pave the way for resumption of mining activity in the state, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said here today.

Addressing reporters here, the CM quoted the Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar saying that the ministry has decided to lift the suspension within a week.

The ECs granted to 139 mining leases were suspended by the then Environment minister Jayanti Natarajan in September 2012 on allegations of illegalities.

Parsekar said at least ten mining leases would be opened for the current mining season following the revocation.

He said the government will move an application to the Supreme Court demanding that the annual cap on the fresh iron ore extraction be raised from the current limit of 20 million tonne.
The SC is currently hearing the petition filed by Goa Foundation against illegal mining in the state.