PANAJI
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has initiated the process of identifying additional iron ore mineral blocks for auction, with the fifth phase of auctions tentatively planned before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections, which are due in February.
Sources said the department is currently undertaking mineral resource estimation for mining leases where geological surveys have already been completed. Once the estimation is finalised, the DMG will identify the mineral blocks that can be offered in the fifth phase of auctions.
“Once the resources estimation process is complete, we will be able to zero in on the mineral blocks that will go for auction in the fifth phase,” sources said, adding that Notices Inviting Tenders (NITs) are likely to be issued before the election code comes into force.
The exercise, however, will have to remain within the annual 20 million tonne production ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court. The total environmental clearance capacity of the mineral blocks auctioned through the four NITs conducted so far is around 18.5 million tonnes.
The Geological Survey of India has been roped in to prepare detailed geological reports for the blocks. “We have a 20 million tonne production ceiling annually. We have to restrict within that,” sources said.
Goa has auctioned 18 mineral blocks in four phases since 2022. Four blocks were auctioned in 2022-23, five in 2023-24, three in 2024-25 and six in the fourth phase held in April.
Of these, six blocks have commenced operations, while the remaining blocks are at various stages of obtaining approvals.
Mining resumed in phases with the Bicholim block restarting extraction in April 2024, followed by Advalpal-Thivim in December 2024. Shirgao-Mayem and Shirgao commenced operations in May 2025, while Cudnem Mineral Block-VI became operational in October 2025.
