Supreme Court cancels Goa iron ore mining leases due to hasty renewal

In a blow to the Goa mining industry, the Supreme Court on Wednesday cancelled all iron ore mining leases that had been renewed by the state government for a second time, instead of granting fresh licences.

The apex court had directed the state government to grant fresh licences in accordance with mining laws. The court said the renewal granted was “unduly hasty, without taking all relevant material into consideration and, therefore, not in the interest of mineral development”.

The court said the decision was taken to augment revenue of the state, which was not permissible.

The environment and forest ministry was also indicted.