Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa’s iron ore reserves could be exhausted in another ten years or so, but overexploitation could lead to their disappearance in five years, said Prof Ashoka Dessai. The senior geologist and researcher, who has undertaken an extensive study of the mineral resources in the State, suggested that the State prospect for alternative minerals to avoid an economic crisis.
Dessai, a former professor of Goa University and Pune University will release his book “Geology and Mineral Resources of Goa” on Sunday. The researcher, who joined Goa University in 1987, advises that Goa should not overexploit its resources the way it used to before the ban on mining operations that came in 2012.
“Unless new reserves are located, the current high grade reserves of iron ore will not last for more than about ten years,” he told media persons while announcing launch of his book. “If many companies are involved in mining, and that too at a rapid pace, the iron ore might not survive even for five years,” he added.
The geologist supports the concept of an annual cap on production, as it would help the resources to last longer. He also opined that the focus now should be on prospecting for new minerals. “Supposing iron ore or manganese ore reserves get exhausted, then there would be serious economic crisis. There will be unemployment. Therefore, it is essential that alternative mineral resources of other mineral commodities are prospected for,” he said.
The book will be released by National Institute of Oceanography Director Dr Sunil Kumar Singh.
