PANAJI
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has granted consent to operate to M/s Vedanta Limited for its mineral block at Bicholim towards commencement of mining operation.
The consent has been granted for production of three million tonnes per annum (MPTA) of iron ore.
The mineral block, with an area of 478.5206 ha is located in Bicholim is the only block that has been granted Environment Clearance (EC) by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
This is the first mining lease to get EC post suspension of iron ore activities.
The State government will soon be signing Mine Development and Production Agreement (MDPA) with M/s Vedanta Limited for its mineral block.
Vedanta was issued Letter of Intent in January 2023 and it is valid only for a period of three years within which the firm has to start the mining operations after obtaining all permissions.
The mineral block comprises of Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem and Sirigao villages of Bicholim taluka.
