From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Goa, Dec 1: State government will file an affidavit before the Supreme Court on Tuesday December 1 defending its decision to renew the mining leases. The affidavit is crucial for the fate of the mining industry which is expecting a bright future after a three year long closure.

The mining leases were renewed by the state government under section 8 (3) of the mines and mineral Development Regulation Act 1957.

Goa Foundation, an NGO and social activist Sudip Tamankar had moved the SC against the renewal of mining leases. They had filed special leave petitions challenging the High Court order on renewal. The SC had issued notices to the state government and mining lease holders on November 17.

The state government had renewed the leases between Novmber 20 last year to January this year. The renewals would be put under scanner of the new mining ordinance which was introduced in January. Goa government will also have to justify granting of second renewals of 31 leases on January 12, when the Ordinance was approved.