Uncertainty over Goa's economy

The Supreme Court-mandated ban on all mining operations in Goa, the second in less than a decade, will disrupt the livelihoods of tens of thousands in the state

Goa is staring into an abyss of uncertainty. The Supreme Court’s decision to effectively ban all mining operations in the state with effect from March 16 — the second such ban in a decade — is a blow to tens of thousands, whose livelihoods depend on the sector. The numbers could easily swell several times, should one consider the total number of dependents.
 
After the apex court decided to lift the ban on iron ore mining in 2014, the industry seemed eager to start afresh. Even as miners emerged from the hiatus, iron ore mining began contributing 10-12 per