Goa mine owner appeals for ban referendum

A leading mine owner on Monday said that there should be a referendum on whether the current Supreme Court-imposed ban on mining activity in Goa should continue.

‘I  feel that let the people of mining industry decide the fate of this economic activity through a referendum,' said Auduth Timblo, chairman, Fomento Resources. Timblo is involved in mining in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Timblo further said that such a referendum should be limited only to mining belt, because 'people in Panjim or Mapusa are little aware of the importance and impact of this activity'.

Mining in Goa has come to a halt badly affecting  the livlihood of  people since September last year following the apex court's interim order.