Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has started groundwork for the fifth round of iron ore mineral block auctions, with the state government looking to complete the process before the Model Code of Conduct for the 2027 Assembly elections is enforced.
As part of the exercise, the DMG is assessing the quantity of iron ore available in mining leases where geological investigations have already been completed. The findings will determine which areas have adequate mineral resources and can be considered for the next auction.
Officials said the department will shortlist the eligible blocks after the resource assessment is completed. Tender notices for the selected blocks are expected to be issued before the election-related restrictions come into effect.
The proposed auction, however, will have to take into account the 20 million tonne annual mining limit fixed by the Supreme Court. The 18 blocks already auctioned through the first four rounds have an aggregate environmental clearance capacity of approximately 18.5 million tonnes.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is assisting the state in preparing detailed geological reports for the identified areas. These reports are expected to provide the technical basis for assessing the mineral potential of the blocks.
Since the resumption of the auction-based mining regime, Goa has put 18 iron ore blocks under the hammer. Four blocks were auctioned during 2022-23, followed by five in 2023-24, three in 2024-25 and six in the fourth round conducted in April.
Mining operations have begun at six of the auctioned blocks, while other successful bidders are completing regulatory clearances and other requirements before starting extraction.
The revival of mining activity has taken place in stages. The Bicholim block resumed operations in April 2024, followed by Advalpal-Thivim in December 2024. Mining subsequently began at Shirgao-Mayem and Shirgao in May 2025, while Cudnem Mineral Block-VI started operations in October 2025.
The fifth auction round will therefore be closely watched by the mining industry, particularly as the government attempts to balance the expansion of mining activity with the Supreme Court’s production cap and mandatory environmental safeguards.
The timing of the proposed tender process is also important with the 2027 Goa Assembly elections approaching. Once the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, the government could face restrictions on advancing major decisions connected with the auction process.
