PANJIM: After initially suggesting the auction of iron ore mining leases, NGO Goa Foundation (GF), on Thursday proposed that the government not auction leases to private players as the mining industry is incorrigible and continues to brazenly violate laws leading to illegal trade. The NGO opined that the government assume ownership of the leases and the contract for extraction of minerals be auctioned. Addressing media persons ahead of the Mines Ministers meeting in Goa, GF director Dr Claude Alvares said the NGO will petition Union Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar bringing to fore the continued illegal mining in the State. He said of the total illegal mining detected in the country, 25 percent is reported in Goa, despite very few mining leases being in operation. “The Mining Surveillance System (MSS) has reported 12 cases in Goa out of 48 across the country. The percentage is 25 percent. This indicates that Goa mining industry is habituated to illegal mining and will continue to brazenly violate the law,” Alvares said. Due to this, Alvares said it won’t be wise to auction the mines, whose leases expire in 2020. “We do not think it is advisable to auction these 160 leases. We wish to propose that all leases should be in the name of the Goa government, so that only contracts for extraction of minerals can be tendered or auctioned,” he stated. Alvares said the leases can be handed over to a Government Corporation for operation, while the extraction of minerals can be auctioned. Government can then export the ore in the national or international market, with 100 percent revenue coming to State exchequer. Queried on whether this will be against his demand before Supreme Court and also in contradiction to Mines Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, Alvares said “Act has a provision wherein Government can reserve the State for iron ore mining.” GF also said it would challenge the construction of mining corridors with District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds. “Government is only recognising mining dependents and not mining affected. DMF funds are to be utilised towards development and welfare of the people affected by mining,” he said.