Goa Government Receives 53 Bids for Six Mineral Blocks in Major Auction
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) in Goa has received a robust response to its upcoming mineral block auction, with 53 bids submitted for six blocks set to be auctioned on April 16. Major industry players including Vedanta, JSW, and Fomento have filed bids for all six blocks, signaling strong interest in the state's mining resources.
Financial and Resource Details of the Auction
The government anticipates generating approximately Rs 230 crore as an upfront payment through this auction. The six blocks collectively hold a reserve of around 170 million tonnes of minerals, comprising five iron ore mines in North Goa and one block with iron ore and manganese ore deposits in South Goa.
In North Goa, the blocks are located at:
- Cudnem (two blocks)
- Pissurlem (two blocks)
- Advalpal-Moitem (one block)
The South Goa block, known as Cavorem–Maina, will be auctioned electronically.
Impact on Goa's Mining Capacity
This auction marks a significant step in exhausting Goa's fresh iron ore extraction capacity. According to Narayan Gad, Director of Mines and Geology, the state government has already auctioned 12 mineral blocks, allowing for the extraction of up to 12.5 million tonnes of fresh iron ore per year based on environmental clearances.
With the addition of these six blocks, an extra 6.5 million tonnes per year will be authorized, bringing the total to around 20 million tonnes annually. This means the state has now utilized approximately 90% of its fresh iron ore extraction capacity.
Gad noted that the government could auction a few more blocks in the future, as there is a pending capacity of about two million tonnes remaining. The auction process is part of ongoing efforts to manage and optimize Goa's mineral resources sustainably.
