The BJP-led Goa government has sought help from its BJP legislators representing the state's mining belt to resolve the logjam between truck owners and the mining firm Sesa Iron Ore over a pay hike demand by the former.
The state Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar yesterday held a meeting with the BJP legislators representing the mining belt, asking them to work out a solution to the ongoing differences between the truck owners and the mining company's management.
"If the strike continues, there won't be mining resumption. We have to convince the truckers to resume transporting ore," he told reporters after the meeting.
Iron-ore transport from mining lease of Sesa Iron Ore was stopped on December 4 after the truckers resorted to agitation.
The truck owners, under the banner of All Goa Truck Owners association, are demanding a higher rate per ton of the ore carried by them.
The company has not heeded to the demand, pointing out to low international prices.
The company has informed the workers that it would resort to 'No work, no pay' option if the truckers don't suspend their strike.
The Mining industry in the state was put on hold for around three years by the Supreme Court owing to allegations of illegalities.
An Inquiry Commission led by Justice M B Shah had said illegal mining worth Rs 35,000 crore was reported in Goa from 2005-2012.
"The government should help us to do away with the
duplication of taxes. Also, the union government should nullify export duty in the wake ofsevere meltdown conditions," Kumar said.
"For low-grade ore of Goa there is no market in the country today, it is largely exported to Japan, China and Korea and that is how it will be.
"These two challenges which are within the hands of government, if they are met, I can see Goa mining industry coming back in full swing," he added.
Kumar said the industry expects the state government to withdraw cess imposed on transport, registration and water during the upcoming Budget, while the Centre will have to nullify the export duty imposed on low grade iron ore.
