Goa government's decision to form a high-level committee, headed by a retired high court, to probe alleged irregularities in iron ore mining would result in a further delay in restarting of mining operations, the mining industry said.

The government of Goa on Wednesday announced that it would form a six-member high-level investigation committee, headed by retired Bombay high Court Judge RM Khande parkar, to investigate irregularities in iron ore mining pointed out by the Justice MB Shah panel.

The committee, which will submit its report in two months, will also include some officials from the state police's anti-corruption branch. Apart from identifying illegalities, the committee will also suggest measures for control and regulation of the mining industry.

But, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA) opposed the decision saying, such a body would delay the starting of mining operations. The industry body said it was surprised and shocked at the government's decision.

In a press release, GMOEA said, "The latest decision will further delay the process of restarting mines on completion of verifications of data by state government officials, who were close to completing their investigations."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the committee would not take a look at the aspect of condonation of delays because the government has already issued show cause notices to forty-two mines in this regard. He added that the government would proceed to file criminal cases against the violators and recover monies as permitted under the law.