Goa mining to resume in 2020: Governor

Panaji, Jan 7 (IANS) The mining industry in Goa, which has been banned by a Supreme Court order since 2018, will resume functioning in 2020 and the Goa government is leaving "no stone unturned" to allow resumption of mining activity, Governor Satya Pal Malik said in his address to the state legislature on Tuesday.

"My government is very optimistic in resuming mining operations in Goa during the ensuing season, thereby rejuvenating state's economy and lives of citizens. The government has left no stone unturned to explore all possible ways and means of resumption of mining in Goa," Malik said in his address during the one-day session of the Assembly on Tuesday.

Malik also said that the Goa government was "exploring all possibilities" and lawful options to resume the mining industry.

Mining in Goa was banned 2018 by the Supreme Court on account of irregularities in the sector. The state government is currently in consultation with the Centre, to find a way to restart mining at the earliest. When the industry was at its peak in 2011, mining accounted for nearly 30 per cent of Goa's Gross Domestic Product.