SANQUELIM: Three members of the Supreme Court-appointed central empowered  committee, which has been  asked to inquire into the mining scenario, inspected the iron ore mines in Bicholim and Sattari talukas  on Monday.

Tight police protection was provided to the visiting team, which was headed by Mr P V Jayakrishnan, and consisted of Mr Mahendra Vyas and  Mr Chaudhari. 
The team was accompanied by head  of the  NGO that had petitioned the apex court on mining issue, the North Goa collector, Mr Mihir  Vardhan, the mines and geology director, Mr Prasanna Acharya, the additional principal chief conservator of forests, Mr Richard D’Souza, mamlatdars, deputy collectors, the deputy superintendent of police, Mr Gajanan Prabhudesai and other officials.
In the morning the delegation visited Bandekar mines at Shirgaon, where a large number of villagers and truck owners were present. However, nobody from the crowd  was allowed to go near  the mining area, which was being inspected. 
Thereafter the CEC members visited five mines  owned by Sesa Goa at Dhadhaba, Bicholim. After a halt at Mayem the team proceeded to Pissurlem area where they inspected mines belonging to DMC and Mr R Shetye. Mines  at Vaghure  and Sonshi were also inspected. 
The NGO head  briefed the CEC members about mining companies.
During the mines inspection, the  Sesa Goa  officer  Mr Muzumdar said that iron ore   is  a national property  and to use this resource is our national right.
A local resident, Mr Vijaykumar Desai  had discussions with committee members.
It is understood that the members while inspecting every mine   were  having discussions  with the NGO head,  who explained them the irregularities committed by mining companies at different  mines.
On the other hand, mining officials  explained the legal aspects  to the CEC.