PANAJI
As many as 154 iron ore mining leases, located in the Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA) will be kept out of e-auction process pending Central government’s notification on Western Ghat ESA.
The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in its draft notification, issued in August 2024, had proposed 108 villages from Goa as ESA. The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) identified 154 mining leases in these villages.
“There are a total 154 mining leases falling in Western Ghat ESA. Since they are within ESA, as per rule, we cannot auction them and no mining activities can take place. Hence the decision is taken not to auction them,” DMG director Narayan Gad told The Goan.
Gad said that if the Central government excludes some villages in the final ESA notification, then the department can reconsider leases located in those villages.
Since 2023, the State has e-auctioned a total of 12 mineral blocks consisting of 24 mining leases, of which seven blocks have already got Environmental Clearance (EC) while three have commenced fresh operations.
The Goa government in its submission before the Union Ministry has proposed dropping 21 villages from the ESA list and that 87 villages be categorised as ESA since they meet the criteria set out by the Ministry.
As per government proposal, 21 villages include 12 from Sattari, five from Dharbandora, three from Sanguem and one from Canacona taluka.
Meanwhile, the DMG has asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to identify geological reserves in the nine iron ore leases located in Honda, Bicholim and Pissurlem area.
“We have identified nine mining leases and have sent details to the Geological Survey of India for making geological reserves. Once they give the report, which is likely by next month, we will start the process of e-auction in July,” Gad said.
The Director said that depending upon the economic viability the department will carve out the mineral blocks for e-auction.
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.
Steel giant JSW bagged the Cudnem-Cormolem, Surla Sonshi, and Curpem-Sulcorna blocks, while Odisha-based Kai International won the Tivim-Pirna block. The Onda mineral block was awarded to Telangana-based Agarvanshi Steep Corporation.
The other seven blocks went to State-based companies like Fomento Resources, Vedanta Limited, Salgaocar Shipping and NS Bandekar.
