PANAJI
Ahead of the new mining season, which commences in October, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA), an apex trade body, on Thursday sought the State government’s intervention in addressing delays in obtaining various NOCs and clearances to resume iron ore activities in the State.
A delegation of GMOEA, led by secretary Glen Kalavampara, submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant seeking the Government’s assistance in resolving various issues affecting the mining industry.
Speaking to 'The Goan', Kalavampara said that the association raised a few concerns regarding delays in obtaining various NOCs and clearances despite all efforts undertaken. He said that such delays cause impediments to the granting of permissions to begin operations.
He added that the CM was apprised that the mining sector had witnessed operations resume slowly after a great ordeal, and it is essential to ensure that constant review meetings are held with the industry body and State authorities to resolve any issues pertaining to operations.
Since 2023, to date, the State has e-auctioned a total of 12 mineral blocks consisting of 24 mining leases, of which nine blocks have already obtained Environmental Clearance (EC), while three have commenced fresh operations.
The 12 mineral blocks auctioned so far are: Cudnem-Cormolem mineral block, Surla-Sonshi mineral block, Advalpale-Tivim mineral block, Cudnem mineral block, Tivim-Pirna mineral block, Kalay mining block in Sanguem, Bicholim-Mulgao mining block, Sirigao-Mayem mining block, Monte-de-Sirigao mining block, Curpem-Sulcorna mineral block, Onda mineral block and Codli iron ore block.
