New working mines, full-fledged iron ore production within 6 months in Goa: Union minister

Panaji: Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday said that within six months, full-fledged mining activities will be seen in Goa. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that 12 mineral blocks have been auctioned in the state, and nine blocks will soon start operations. Sawant said that there are three critical and deep-seated mineral resources in the state, and they would be explored.
Sawant said that Reddy has assured to follow up with the environment ministry to grant environmental clearances (EC) to three mineral blocks pending with the ministry. “In 2025, mining activities will start full-fledged,” Sawant said.
“Following Supreme Court norms, state govt is moving towards the resumption of mining activities in the state. Goa govt is considering all aspects, including the environment, unemployment and revenue to resume mining activities,” Reddy said.
“In the next six months, there will be full-fledged iron ore production in the state, and new mines will start operations,” Reddy added.
Reddy held a review meeting with Sawant, state, and central govt officials on mining issues. During the meeting, the CM discussed the auction plan for the potential mining blocks available in the state, the auction plan for the revival of non-operational mines, expired leases, and lapsed leases under Section 10A2 of the MMDR Act in the state. He briefed the Union minister on the status of the operationalisation of auctioned mining blocks and the status of ongoing exploration projects by various agencies.
Sawant said that the revival of mining operations in the state is contributing to the strengthening of the state’s economy by enhancing its contribution to the GSDP.
He said that Goa has a long history of mining and state govt is committed to supporting all efforts that promote responsible and sustainable mineral development. “I assure the Union minister and the mines ministry that Goa govt will extend full cooperation in furthering the objectives of mineral exploration and auction, ensuring that these initiatives contribute to national growth and prosperity,” Sawant said.
The chief minister emphasised that critical minerals have a very strategic role in the country's economic development and security, as these minerals are an integral part of the electronic industry, security equipment, and green energy transition (solar panels, windmills, etc.). “Securing the supply chain of these critical minerals has gained even more importance in view of global geopolitics,” Sawant said.