THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has granted Terms of Reference (ToR) to JSW Steel Limited for its proposed iron ore mining project at Pissurlem, paving the way for the company to prepare a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the mineral block.
The proposal, considered at the 201st SEIAA meeting held on October 7, concerns Mineral Block XV spread across 168.0239 hectares in Pissurlem and Honda villages in Sattari taluka. JSW Steel has proposed an annual production capacity of three million tonnes of iron ore from the block.
The company secured the mineral block through an auction conducted by the State government and submitted an application seeking approval of the ToR for preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee recommended the proposal to SEIAA at its meeting on October 5.
Following EIA, a public hearing will be conducted before deciding on the Environmental Clearance (EC).
As part of the ToR, the company has been directed to provide detailed information on the mine's environmental footprint, including land use, forest cover, biodiversity, water resources and the impact of mining on surrounding communities.
The assessment must cover a 10-km radius around the proposed mining lease and include studies on flora and fauna, wildlife habitats, groundwater, surface water, air quality and noise levels. The company must also assess the impact of increased truck traffic on the existing road network and indicate the infrastructure improvements required to handle the additional movement of mineral ore.
SEIAA has also called for details of forest land, if any, within the project area, the status of forest clearances and compliance with the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The EIA report must examine the potential loss of agricultural and grazing land, public health implications and the socioeconomic impact on local communities.
The company will also have to prepare an EMP outlining mitigation measures, a disaster management plan and details of project costs, employment potential and proposed community benefits.
JSW Steel emerged as the preferred bidder for Pissurlem Mineral Block XV in the auction held on May 7, 2026, with projected iron ore resources of approximately 96 million tonnes.
