------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre (GDRC) Email: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- Mining industry wants 'qualified' environmentalists --------------------------------------------------
by Michael Fisher Goa's 'traditional miners' and 'authentic' environmentalists have proposed a concept for an act to regulate the many social workers and NGOs claiming to be the environmentalists.Whether it is for mining, emission control, water or air pollutant, the proposal is being designed as a two-edged sword spelling doom and boon to businesses, according to industry experts here. When the new proposal comes into force, it will thwart pseudo-environmentalists in the guise of NGOs and NGOs will need environmental permits. The proposal will automatically filter companies that will be eligible to mine in Goa. Today, new players are ignoring environmental norms and disturbing the ecological balance of Goa's ecosystem, said mining experts. The current meltdown which has affected Goa's mining by 40 to 60 per cent is seen as the right time to reconsider several factors whereby some industries particularly mining have been affected due to the want of a regulation system in place and to find a compatible marriage between industries and environmental standards, said several mining experts. "In Goa, such legislative proposal is urgently needed," said Mr Lume, an official at Fomento, a mining company. "Such a regulation was mooted in the past but it gradually fizzled out," said Mr S Sridhar, executive director of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA), when contacted. Mr Sridhar agrees that such a regulation is needed to streamline the mining industry on a better level-playing field. The outspoken Mr Sameer Salgaoncar, a mining industrialist questions the revenue source of these social workers called NGOs. He rues that anyone is licensed to mine in Goa. They ignore scientific and environmental norms. Pilferage is in full force by unscrupulous elements. "They break every mining rule bringing disrespect to the industry," said Mr Joe Luis of Fomento, at a recent press conference. The past four years of mining boom are believed to have attracted extortionists in the guise of environmentalists and hence this environmental act is suited for Goa, mining industrialists said. Mining in Goa started in the late 60s and early 70s when the state was fortunate to welcome a visiting Japanese delegation that is believed to have taught Goa's nascent industrialists the art of scientific mining, keeping in mind environmental norms and Goa's beauty. The Japanese also imparted a technology that enriches the low-grade ore to that of international standards for exports..., and the rest is history. Mining became the biggest contributor to Goa's GDP after fishing and agriculture. Tourism started to trickle in, then. "If it hadn't been for the Japanese, Goa's mining prosperity may not have existed today,' said a mining survey expert from Italab. The mining industrialists Timblo, Salgaoncar, Dempo, Sesa Goa and Shantilal known as the 'traditional miners', follow the scientific art of mining. They started implementing and establishing a social order for the village habitats in the vicinity of the mines. They financially and socially supported infrastructures such as roads, schools, places of worship and other amenities. The turning point was four years ago when the Chinese started to buy 'mountains' of Goa ore with such speed that it threw the mining industry out of gear. The new proposal will streamline not only the mining sector but other industries too. Meanwhile, a Mining Act to be announced by the Parliament is eagerly awaited. -------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 25/12/08 page 1 -------------------------------------- ==================================== GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 mailto:[email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =====================================
