PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the transportation of over 9 MT of iron ore lying at various jetting and plots across the State can commence within a week’s time. Sawant welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court allowing transportation of iron ore on which royalty has already been paid and which has been lying at various jetties and plots across the State. Speaking to media persons at his official residence at Altinho, Panaji, Sawant said, “After 2012, for the first time we have got a positive outcome on mining. We welcome the decision. The Supreme Court has allowed us to do transportation of the ore which has been lying at different plots and jetties on which royalty has been paid. As per the information I have received there is currently 9 MT ore lying at jetties and plots.” “The ore will be allowed to transport upto June 1 during the entire mining season after they obtain required permits from the State government. The State government will also cooperate with all the mine owners in the interest of the people. The transportation can even start within the next eight days,” Sawant assured. The Chief Minister has also appealed to mine owners to employ the mining workers who had been retrenched or who were being paid half their salaries. “This decision has come in our favour and we hope that positive decisions will come in the remaining mining cases too,” said Sawant. “Currently the market position also is good and there is scope for export. With this, the economy will move and people will get employment,” he said. When asked if the State will earn any revenue on transportation of ore, Sawant said, “Already the royalty on this ore has been paid so we will not earn any direct revenue. A small amount will come into the State treasury through permits.”