Panaji: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued show-cause notices to 40 mining firms for allegedly extracting ore much beyond permissible limit.

The firms have been asked why appropriate action under relevant laws should not be initiated against them. They have been given three dates, April 11, 13 and 16, to appear before the board with relevant documents and submit their replies, a GSPCB official said today.

The mines found to be extracting ore in excess of their stipulated limit will have their consent under Water and Air Pollution Control Act revoked, the official said.

Several mines in the state have been under the scanner for allegedly extracting ore beyond permissible limit set under the Environment Clearance (EC) issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

Goa has 90 operational mining leases, which tapped 43 million tonnes of ore during the last financial year.