PANAJI
In a major boost to the State's mining infrastructure and technical education, the Department of Mines and Geology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Goa College of Engineering (GEC) to establish Goa’s first state-of-the-art Mineral Testing Laboratory at the engineering institute.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of the Chief Secretary, marking a step towards strengthening the State's mineral testing and research capabilities.
As per the press statement, the laboratory will be equipped with advanced X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, enabling rapid and accurate chemical analysis of rock and mineral samples. The facility is being established with financial assistance of Rs 3.33 crore from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), New Delhi, based on a proposal prepared by GEC's Department of Mining Engineering.
Officials said the laboratory will provide modern testing facilities within Goa, reducing dependence on laboratories outside the State for mineral analysis while supporting the needs of the mining industry.
The facility is also expected to strengthen academic research and practical training by providing students and researchers with access to advanced analytical equipment. Besides serving industry requirements, the laboratory will promote skill development and research in mining engineering, contributing to sustainable mineral exploration and resource management in Goa.
