Goa Government Focuses on Mining Revival
The Goa government has moved to address the long-standing hurdles preventing the full resumption of mining activities in the state. In a bid to overcome the obstacles, officials have announced the formation of a high-powered committee tasked with clearing the bottlenecks that have hindered mining operations in recent years. This step follows a crucial meeting between state officials and a Union minister, where a firm commitment was made to restore mining in the state within the next six months.
Mining in Goa is critical for the state’s economy, especially as the government faces a pressing financial burden. With over ₹3,500 crore in borrowings, the government is under pressure to begin generating revenues. Starting in April, the state must repay more than ₹300 crore every month, a sum borrowed from the open market to fund various development projects in Goa. The resumption of mining is seen as a key solution to alleviate some of this debt burden. The newly formed committee, which will be led by the state’s chief secretary, is expected to meet every 15 days to review and expedite the resumption of mining operations. It will include representatives from various agencies such as the forest department, the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the Directorate of Mines, and other related bodies. This multi-agency committee will aim to clear regulatory hurdles and streamline the processes needed to restart mining activities, which have faced regulatory delays and legal challenges in the past.
Currently, out of the 12 auctioned mineral blocks in Goa, only two are operational. Another two blocks are awaiting the final payment to be made to the government before lease agreements can be signed, while five blocks have secured the necessary environmental clearances and are in the process of completing other formalities. Three blocks are still awaiting environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This situation underscores the complexity of the mining sector in Goa, where environmental concerns and legal processes have often slowed down progress. In addition to the mineral blocks, the government has also been addressing the issue of mining dumps, which are stockpiles of mined materials. A planned auction of 18 dumps had to be postponed due to technical issues, but officials have assured that the auction will resume soon. These dumps will be auctioned with a fixed premium of 22% above the Indian Bureau of Mines price. The premium is intended to account for the conversion fees and fines that the previous leaseholders had paid.
While the resumption of mining activities is an essential economic strategy for the state, it must be balanced with environmental considerations. The government has acknowledged the need for sustainable mining practices and has committed to ensuring that the mining operations comply with the Indian Road Congress guidelines for rehabilitation and surface treatment. By instituting these measures, Goa aims to minimise the environmental impact of mining and promote responsible development. As the government works to navigate these complex issues, the pressure to resolve the situation is mounting. The resumption of mining activities is seen as crucial not only for generating revenue but also for supporting the livelihoods of many Goans who depend on the mining sector. With the creation of the high-powered committee and the commitment to clear regulatory hurdles, Goa is taking important steps towards reviving its mining industry and securing its economic future.
