Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a renewed attempt to revive the State’s mining sector, the Goa government has scheduled the fourth phase of e-auction for iron ore mineral blocks on April 16, nearly a year after the previous round of auctions.
The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has put six mineral blocks on offer, encompassing a total of ten mining leases for iron and manganese ore. The blocks are spread across Cudnem (Blocks XII and XIV), Pissurlem (Blocks XV and XVI), Adwalpale–Mollem (Block XVII) and Cavorem–Maina (Block XVIII). Tender documents will be accessible to prospective bidders from February 2 to March 16.
According to DMG Director Narayan Gad, the mineral blocks collectively hold an estimated 168 million tonnes of mineral reserves. He said the State government expects to receive around ₹230 crore as upfront payment from the auction process, which will formally begin on April 16.
To ensure quicker commencement of mining operations, Gad said the government plans to introduce a standard operating procedure (SOP) along with defined timelines for all concerned departments. This includes the Environment Department for environmental clearances, the Goa State Pollution Control Board for statutory consents, and the respective District Collectors, with the aim of granting approvals within fixed deadlines.
Gad noted that out of the 12 mineral blocks auctioned so far, five have already become operational, while two additional blocks are expected to begin production within the next month. These include the Kale mineral block operated by Fomento Resources and the Onda mineral block run by Agarvanshi Private Limited.
“The Kale block is expected to commence operations within the next 15 days, followed shortly by the Onda block,” he said.
Fresh mining activity in Goa resumed in April 2024 with the commencement of operations at the Bicholim mineral block. This was followed by Fomento Resources starting extraction at the Advalpale–Thivim block in December 2024. In May 2025, M/s Salgaocar Shipping Private Limited began mining at the Shirgao–Mayem block. Other operational sites include the Shirgao mineral block managed by M/s Rajaram Bandekar Mines Private Limited and the Cudnem Mineral Block (VI), operated by JSW Steel Limited, both of which became active in October last year.
