MAPUSA
Reaffirming the State government’s commitment to reviving Goa’s long-stalled mining industry in a sustainable manner, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the fourth Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for e-auctioning four new mining blocks will be issued within the next 15 days.
The upcoming e-auction will include two mining blocks each in North and South Goa, marking the latest step in the phased revival of the sector that has been at a standstill for over a decade.
“We are moving forward steadily to ensure that sustainable and regulated mining restarts in Goa. This government is committed to reviving the sector while adhering to all legal and environmental safeguards,” Sawant said.
He added that of the 12 mining blocks auctioned so far, three have already commenced operations and two more are expected to begin within the next two months. Chief Minister assured the House that full-scale mining operations – including the transport of legacy mining dumps – will resume by October.
In addition, Sawant said the government is in the process of granting permissions for dump mining to 3/4 leaseholders and is also preparing to e-auction old mining dumps that fall under government ownership.
These legacy dumps, which contain considerable quantities of low-grade iron ore, could provide a temporary economic boost for mining-dependent communities while formal operations are scaled up.
The Opposition, however, remained unconvinced.
Congress MLA Altone D’Costa questioned the government’s repeated assurances since 2012, stating that the mining ban had cost the previous Congress government dearly, yet successive administrations had failed to bring actual relief to the people who depend on mining for their livelihood.
“For over a decade now, mining dependents have been living in hope. The promises have been many, but results have been few,” D’Costa said.
