Govt sets target of Nov 2023 to start iron ore mining

Team Herald

PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that it will take one year post auctioning of iron ore leases to the successful bidder, to start the operation. The government has set a target of November 2023 to start fresh extraction of mineral ore. 

Speaking to mediapersons, Sawant, though ruled out monopolising the bidding process, said that the government will give priority to those companies, that were undertaking operations of those mines before the industry shut down in 2018. 

He further said that the government will fast-track the auction process so that the successful bidder can obtain all the required clearances and permissions to start the extraction of iron ore. 

“We hope that the fresh extraction of ore will start by November 2023,” he said. 

“Environment clearances (ECs) for 86 mining leases are valid and they can start the extraction immediately. The valid ECs can be used by the companies after winning the auction bid for another two years and then they will have to apply for fresh ones as per the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act,” Sawant explained. 

He said that the mines without valid EC will have to apply afresh. “The State government has a right to give ECs for the leases which are less than 100 hectares,” Sawant said.

The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG), through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited (MSTC), has invited tender to e-auction four mining blocks – Mulgao, Sirigao-Mayem and Monte-de-Sirigao, all in Bicholim Taluka and Kalay mine in Sanguem. The last date for the purchase of the tender document is November 15 while the interested bidders can apply by November 21. 

Responding to a question, Sawant said that the State government cannot monopolise the auctioning for the State-based players, who are already in the business, but priority would be given to those companies that were working on those leases before the industry shut down.

“The State government cannot stop major national and international players from participating in the auctioning,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also said that the government will soon resume the process of e-auction iron ore, which has already been extracted. Also, the government is working on a methodology to auction and sell the dumps, he added.