PANJIM: Mine owners in the State have told the Supreme Court appointed Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) that they can be punished if they are guilty but if they are not, they should be allowed to restart legal mines as early as possible. Various stakeholders including owners of trucks, barges, machinery and mine owners had urged CEC to start mining, during its four day visit, earlier this week. The mine owners who met the three member committee headed by P V Jayakrishnan, twice during their visit made their best attempt to put across the social and economic impact of mining ban on the State. Even though the mine owners failed to respond to some of the questions raised by CEC following site inspections, the miner owners said that they are ready to face any action (punishment) if found to be involved in mining illegalities. A source said, “The mining firms were very much clear that there are no illegalities in the sector but there could be some minor irregularities. They told CEC that they are ready to face any action including ban on mining industry if they are proved guilty.” Sources said that several technical points put by CEC were answered by the mining companies with proper documentation. The mining firms were also of the opinion that Goa should not be looked at on similar lines as the mining in Bellary district. The mine owners, who have so far dodged the question over providing financial relief to mining dependent people, had pleaded before CEC that legal mining in the state should start immediately as it could affect the large number of people dependent on it and a long ban could even lead to drastic consequences.