MULGAO: Pre-monsoon inspection was carried out by Bicholim Deputy Collector C Sub Divisional Officer Bhimnath Khorjuvekar on Friday at the mining site in vicinity of Mulgao village. The inspection team included various government agencies including Mamlatdar, DMG, Fire Services, Police among others along with representatives of mining companies, as applicable. During the inspection on Friday, Mulgao village community members were also present.
As part of the routine inspection, various preparations carried out so far were discussed along with a review of the measures carried out in the preceding years. Vedant Sesa Goa facilitated the process and provided all relevant information. The DMG representatives informed that the Company has been regularly carrying out monsoon preparation related activities even during the period 2018 to 2023 when no mining operations were on, and no untoward incident has taken place in this period.
It was jointly discussed that the dumps preparation by using laterite materials and other means will continue to be prioritised and progress will be reviewed after 15 days. During this period, laterite material will be excavated and will be used to cover dump stages. Any incidental ore encountered will be retained in vicinity of the site itself.
Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, Vedanta Iron Ore Goa issued a clarification in the matter “ Vedanta Sesa Goa prioritises the safety and well-being of the community and its workforce and carries out all operations in a safe and responsible manner. Monsoon preparation is our top priority and we started the process in end Jan 25 and are fully engaged in the activity, in coordination with all stakeholders. Friday’s inspection was satisfactorily carried out and we are progressing with the excavation of laterite as part of our safety measures and will be using it to cover the dump stages. Regular operations are continuing and remarks to the contrary by any party are not accurately projecting the ground situation. The recent interruption of operations within the mines has hampered the progress on monsoon preparedness and we request cooperation from all on this vital matter. I reiterate, that Vedanta Sesa Goa is fully committed to conducting and safe C responsible mining.”
Vedanta Sesa Goa and Mulgao village community members have been having regular communication and meeting on all outstanding issues and are actively working to resolve the same in a mutually acceptable manner. The Company emphasises that all stakeholders can approach it to clarify any matter and requests that unverified and inaccurate information be not shared about matters pertaining to safety and other aspects related to operations.