Goa's Mining Sector Gains Momentum with Environmental Clearance for Iron Ore Dump Handling
In a significant development for Goa's mining industry, V M Salgaocar & Bro Pvt Ltd has been granted an environmental clearance (EC) to commence handling iron ore dumps located outside mining lease areas on private land at Surla. This approval positions Salgaocar as the second mining company in the state to receive such clearance, signaling a progressive shift in the region's mining operations.
State Government Approves Multiple Mining Initiatives
The state government has extended permissions to three mining companies to manage iron ore dumps situated outside mining leases across four distinct locations. Notably, the directorate of mines and geology (DMG) has issued final approval to Chowgule and Company Pvt Ltd to handle 3 lakh tonnes of low-grade iron ore at Shirgao, with a premium set at 22%. This landmark decision represents the first instance since mining activities were halted in September 2012 that any company has been authorized to manage these dumps.
Dump Handling Policy 2023: A Framework for Sustainable Mining
The introduction of the Dump Handling Policy, 2023 has established a structured approach to address the approximately 700 million tonnes of low-grade iron ore scattered both inside and outside mining leases throughout Goa. This policy aims to facilitate the export of up to 25 million tonnes of ore annually, thereby revitalizing the state's mining economy.
To support this initiative, the state government has empanelled four specialized agencies to conduct comprehensive dump profile studies on a pilot basis:
- Sai Universal Mining Services
- Global Environmental and Mining Services
- Minerals Lab Services Pvt Ltd
- Sinha Mining Consultancy
These agencies will perform detailed quantity and quality assessments of the ore, ensuring that handling processes meet environmental and operational standards.
Industry Interest and Government Assurance
Nineteen mining companies have submitted applications to the government, expressing interest in handling around 55 million tonnes of low-grade iron ore across the state. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has emphasized that with Goa's existing low-grade iron ore stock, mining activities can sustainably operate for the next five years without encountering significant issues.
The ore deposits are primarily located in the talukas of Bicholim, Sanguem, Dharbandora, and Sattari. A senior official highlighted that the state government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, mandating that mining companies must obtain green nods—environmental clearances—to proceed with dump handling operations.
Auction Postponement and Future Plans
Recently, the DMG postponed an auction of 10 iron ore dumps that was scheduled for last month. According to the director of mines and geology, Narayan Gad, the delay occurred because the detailed project reports submitted by mining companies are still under scrutiny by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The new date for the auction will be announced shortly.
In a related move, the government has made 22 million tonnes of low-grade iron ore available through an e-auction, further demonstrating its commitment to streamlining mining operations and boosting economic growth in the region.
