PANJIM: In a decision that has set the alarm bells ringing, the Department of Mines and Geology has issued an NOC to a trading company, Prime Minerals, effectively owned by Timblo–run Fomento group to transport and export ore through Goa, officials said, opening up a debate on whether this circumvents the total ban orders on transport and export issued by the Supreme Court and whether it effectively amounts to contempt of court.

The decision has raised a furor among activists and members of civil society, who termed the decision as contempt of court and questioned the hurry in not waiting for the Apex court decision. They also expressed fears that the mining illegalities and pollution would come to haunt Goa, as the State would return to square one.