Goa’s Continuing Mining Crisis

Goa’s mining crisis is a stark reminder of systemic failure. The Shah Commission in 2012 exposed the collusion of politicians, bureaucrats and lessees in illegal mining, describing it as a “complete collapse of the system.” The Supreme Court in 2018 condemned the “rapacious exploitation” of natural resources within the state. Despite mining tentatively resuming, the foundations of governance remain broken. Who suffers? Goa, every Goan — our children, future generations, local communities and the natural environment.

India’s National Mineral Policy 2019 envisions minerals as a “shared inheritance,” with the state acting as trustee. But this principle is far removed from reality. Claude Alvares and Rahul Basu of the Goa Foundation and Goenchi Mati Movement  presents a bold alternative to conventional mining. They argue that if mining activity is endorsed by Goan society, only then should it be permitted. If allowed, mining must follow constitutional mandates that ensure economic fairness, environmental protection and just shares for all.

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