Goa government has temporarily suspended all mining activities, effective Tuesday, after an expert panel formed by the central government found "serious illegalities and irregularities" in mining operations, the state government said in a statement late on Monday.

R K Verma, principal secretary at mines & geology, said an expert panel formed by the central government discovered serious illegalities in mining operations in Goa, and that the government ordered suspension of mining activities in order to scrutinise clearances received by the holders of the mining leases.

Speaking on the topic, Verma said, "It is necessary in order to scrutinise clearances obtained by the mining lease holders and allowing continuation of mining without proper scrutiny and verification of requisite approval."

The suspension order came just a few days after an enquiry commission headed by Justice MB Shah said the illegal mining activities in the state cost the taxpayers Rs 35,000 crore.

The order also followed allegations by mining activists that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is also the minister for mines, is supporting the tainted miners in the state.

In the Shah Commission's report, various state government agencies, including the mines & geology department, forest department and pollution control board have been indicted. Former chief ministers Digambar Kamat and Pratapsinh Rane also facing arrests for their alleged involvement in the scam.