Panaji: Mining activities in Goa are poised to gain momentum in the upcoming mining session after the monsoon, as the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has granted consent to operate to nine companies, enabling the export of 7.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The state is permitted to export a maximum of 20 MTPA from freshly extracted iron ore, as directed by the Supreme Court.
Current Production and Sales
Director of Mines and Geology Narayan Gad stated that the total extraction for 2025-2026 exceeded 4 million tonnes, with over 2 million tonnes already sold. He confirmed that mining activities will recommence in September.
Auctioned Mineral Blocks
Although the state government auctioned 20 mineral blocks, only nine have received consent to operate. Public hearings are pending for some blocks, while others that have completed hearings await environmental clearances before obtaining operational consent, according to a senior official.
Fifth Mineral Block Auction Timeline
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has set a timeline for the fifth mineral block auction. DMG will identify the blocks by the end of October and conduct the auction by March 2027. Additionally, the DMG plans to start identifying new mineral blocks by June, with identification completed by the end of September.
Role of Geological Survey of India
Gad noted that assistance will be sought from the Geological Survey of India for preparing geological reports. Auctions are proposed to be conducted through the MSTC e-auction portal. However, he emphasized that the proposed timelines are tentative and subject to change.
Previous Auctions and Operations
The state government has conducted four auctions of 16 mineral blocks, of which nine blocks have commenced operations. To comply with the Supreme Court's export cap of 20 MTPA, the government is developing a mechanism to allocate maximum production limits for auctioned mineral blocks.
