Directorate of mines and geology (DMG) will initiate the process to seize unaccounted ore lying at various jetties in the state on Monday. The one month time given to traders to stake claim to the unaccounted ore expired on Sunday. About 2.86 million tonnes of ore are lying stacked at jetties and stockyards in various places in the state.

 

On October 17, DMG notified the Goa (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Storage and Transportation of Mineral) Rules, 2013. Under this traders were required to submit claims to DGM within a month.

 

DMG deputy director Parag Nagarsekar claimed they will know the number of applications received only on Monday. A source said very few traders may have filed applications. Nagarsekar said they will start seizing ore at jetties after assessing the applications received from the traders.

 

Currently, just 43 traders, who were found to be doing business legally, are registered with DMG as the old list containing names of 433 traders has been scrapped. A source said most of the traders who deposited ore at different jetties have been excluded from the new list and till date they have not come forward with any claims. This also means that when mining restarts just 43 traders that have been revalidated will be able to trade.

 

Sources said there is a small chance of traders staking claim to the ore at jetties, because it was illegally purchased by them. "If they declare their right, they will have to reveal the source from where they had procured it," Nagarsekar said. While paperwork for seizing the ore will begin on Monday, actual seizure of ore will happen from Tuesday.

 

The new rules provide a jail term of up to one year and fine of up to 5,000 for illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals in violation of the law. It also says that no person shall buy, store, sell, supply, transport or deliver for sale or processing minerals or deal with any mineral except under and in accordance with the rules and the terms and conditions of registration of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988.