Though the Goa Government has been promising resumption of mining activity as soon as possible, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar refused to take into account expected revenue from the export of iron ore in the Budget for 2015-16 presented in the Assembly today.
"Mining activity is yet to start. Hence, we cannot consider the likely revenue from it in the Budget," he said.
Parsekar, who took over as Chief Minister in November last year, was talking to reporters after presenting his first-ever Budget.
"I can't say when the mining will start. The suspension on environment clearances (to iron ore mines in Goa), has been lifted (by the Centre), but we can't plan on the basis of anticipation," said the Chief Minister.
Mining is a key source of revenue for the coastal state. Goa is estimated to have lost a revenue of Rs 900 crore after mining activity came to a halt over two years ago following allegations of large-scale illegal extraction of iron ore.
The Chief Minister, however, said the state has considered revenue to be earned from e-auctioning of the ore already extracted. "We have concluded five auctions of the ore so far. We can do more auctions.
