Justice M B Shah Commission has stated that "the actual loss to the state from each mine and other illegal mining should be calculated based on ground realities by a team of experts," said Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) President Shivanand Salgaoncar.
The judicial panel has recommended that encroachments outside mining leases should be verified with the help of latest 3D laser measurement equipment and taking into account other relevant factors, he said.
"This loss is absolutely notional. Nobody has quoted Justice Shah completely. The actual loss should be calculated based on ground realities by a team of experts with the help of latest 3D equipment," he told reporters here.
"Each passing day, more and more missiles are fired at us. So it is imperative for us to clarify about the notional loss of Rs 35,000 crore to the State Government that has been attributed to us in the Shah Commission," Salgaoncar said.
Responding to a question, he said investigations into irregularities should be completed as soon as possible so that people connected with mining industry get on with their life.
The mine owners said they have submitted response to all issues raised by the Centre-appointed Commission, which has pointed out illegalities in Goa's mining sector.
P K Mukherjee, Managing Director of Sesa Goa, a key player in the sector, said mine owners will take all possible legal recourse to ensure mining starts in the state.
"Supreme Court or any other court, we will take our issues to appropriate forums," he said.
Ambar Timblo, MD of Fomento Resources, said Goa's mining industry is passing through a critical time. Mining was stopped without hearing the parties concerned. "We need to correct public perception about mining in the country and not try and challenge things."
The State Government last month suspended all mining leases after the Supreme Court ordered halting of extraction and transportation of iron ore in Goa.
