Panaji, Mar 22 (TOI): Six days after mining in Goa came to a complete stop, Sesa Mining Corporation Ltd, a Vedanta group company, on Wednesday asked all its employees not to report for work with immediate effect.

“We have asked all our 2,000 employees not to report to work to reduce operational costs of transportation and food. We have not laid off any employees and their salaries will be paid,” Sangeetha Chakravarthy, head of corporate communication for Sesa Goa Iron Ore, told TOI. However, she refused to comment whether the company would be laying off these employees or relocating them.

In a communication to its employees, Sesa said it is beyond the control of the company to “continue the operations of the mines considering the Supreme Court judgment” and instructions from the state government. “Hence, all employees have been advised not to report duty at mines with immediate effect until further notice,” the company said in a notice to its staff.

The Supreme Court in its February 7 judgment suspended all mining operations with effect from March 16 until fresh mining leases and environmental clearances are granted.