Mining has been a very important element in the economic history of modern Goa and a significant foreign exchange

earner for the state. Recently, it has been designated as the industry at par with tourism. It has provided the trigger to boost economy of the mining talukas. Certain natural factors like the presence of coastline, a very good natural harbour at Marmugao and a number of navigable perennial rivers have promoted the economic exploitation of mineral deposits. Transport of ores by barges is the cheapest option as compared to road and rail transport.

Goa is a major iron ore exporting state and over 60% of Country's iron ore export is from Goa. In terms of foreign exchange earnings it amounts to nearly Rs.1000 crore per annum. Mining in Goa is done by open cast method which necessitates the removal of overburden overlying the iron ore formations. On an average about 2.5 to 3 tones of mining waste has to be excabvated so as to produce a tone of iron ore. The average annual production of iron ore is about 15 to 16 million tones, in the process removal of which about 40 to 50 million of mining waste is generated. Such a huge quantity of mining waste creates a problem for its storage thereby causing severe environmental pollution.

Mining Belt of Goa

The mining belt of Goa covers approximately 700 sq. km and is mostly concentrated in four talukas namely, Bicholim of North Goa district and Salcete, Sanguem and Quepem of South Goa district. Mining and associated activities have greatly affected the natural landscape in and around these areas, which is characterized by the presence of pits and waste rejects. The mining belt of Goa is divided into three regions based on the concentration of the iron ore, namely, Northern, Central and Southern Zone. Usgao River is the dividing line for northern and central zone and Sanguem River between the central and southern zone. The maximum area under mining is in Sanguem Taluka followed by BichoSeveral major environmental problems caused due to mining operations are as under: Effects on state Deforestation Land degradation Groundwater pollution Surface water pollution Dust pollution Damage to beaches

Effect s on people DURING the study, they found no running water available in the school which was also affected by the high noise and dust levels. Mining slurry containing arsenic was causing contamination of the near by canal water flowing behind the school. It was indeed breach of statutory duty and of the right to education on behalf of the Education Department which did not show any concern to the issues of the students studying in this school. Since it is a government primary school, mining was carried out by encroaching on government land. It is indeed surprising that there has been no test carried out by the government authorities to study the impact on environment. When Mukherjee and his group tried to speak to the teacher working in the school, they discerned that the teacher was hesitant to speak as she was apprehensive of being pressurised by the department heads. A day later, a guard was posted near the school to interrogate visitors. AKASH, in his petition, has expressed concern over the destruction caused to agricultural lands, the source of livelihood for around 2000 people residing in the area. The water bodies, which are essential for farm holdings, are choked due to the mining rejects dumped near human settlements. The rejects are being dumped in mining pits. The rainwater drains off these sediments in nearby water bodies and fields, destroying cultivable land. Although the same situation is prevalent in other regions of the state where mining takes place, the side effects are especially acute in Advalpal and Sarvona. In June 2009, when the first rain showers hit the state, villagers residing in Advalpal and Poire in Bicholim faced the consequences of irresponsible mining activity. In areas like Gaonkar wada and Voilo wada in Advalpal, water from the reservoirs dug to collect rain water gushed down the red mined terrain, overflowed and rushed into the houses of those residing at the foot of the slope. The mining silt in the water contaminated houses, gardens and fields, leaving them uncultivable. Paddy fields unable to grow.