What is the principle of granting of mineral concessions in Goa ?
• The general principle followed in granting mineral concessions for minerals other than minor minerals is, other things being equal, the principle of ‘first come first serve’. However, a person who has undertaken reconnaissance operations under a RP has the preferential right for obtaining a PL, and similarly, a person who has prospected for the mineral under a PL has the preferential right for obtaining a ML. • In other cases of simultaneous applications for mining lease, the law provides that the State Government could, in a transparent manner evaluate relative merits of the applicants on objective criteria like special experience, financial resources, level of proposed investment etc. and grant mining lease accordingly. • In addition, for all minerals included in the First Schedule to the MMDR Act, 1957, approval of the Central Government should be obtained before passing any order.