Goa illegal mining: Shah panel to submit first report on Dec 1

The Commission, probing into the charges of illegal mining in Goa, is in its final stages of preparing an exhaustive report that would bare the unlawful activity in the state.

"The first report would be submitted to Union Mines Ministry on December 1," a senior Commission member said adding the second report would come subsequently.

The panel has been probing iron ore extraction, trading and exports in Goa since mid-September for which eight teams were formed, which with the help of local Mines and Geology Ministry inspected 90-odd working mines and 30-odd non working mining leases to arrive at a final conclusion.

The member said the team would be visiting Goa for third and final round of investigations in November last week.

Justice M B Shah, heading the Commission, was, however not available for comment.

The illegal iron ore mining in Goa is estimated between Rs 1,200-10,000crore. The Goa Legislative Assembly constituted Public Accounts Committee report on the same has put the figure to Rs 4,000 crore in last five years.