The Goa government has announced the auction of three iron ore blocks this October. This follows a gap of one and a half years since the last auction, which took place in January 2023. The upcoming auction will include two blocks in South Goa—Codli and Curpem-Sulcorna—and one block in North Goa, Onda.
The Codli mineral block spans 377 hectares, comprising 33 hectares of mineralised area and 343 hectares of non-mineralised land. Previously leased by Vedanta Limited and Sociedade Timblo Irmaos Ltd, the block is estimated to contain 48 million tonnes of hematite ore with an iron grade ranging between 45% and 66%. Additionally, there are approximately 2.6 million tonnes of iron ore dumps with fines averaging 57.8% Fe and lumps at 56.2% Fe.
The Curpem-Sulcorna block covers 87 hectares, with 14 hectares classified as mineralised and 73 hectares as non-mineralised. The former lessee, Sesa Resources Limited, left behind an estimated 9.7 million tonnes of iron ore with a 56% iron grade. Additionally, there are around 0.1 million tonnes of iron ore in dumps, including 100,000 tonnes of fines and 47,000 tonnes of lumps, both with an average iron content of 56.1%. The Onda block, located in North Goa, encompasses 61 hectares, of which 13 hectares are mineralised. The former lessee, Chowgule and Company Private Limited, has left an estimated 5.6 million tonnes of iron ore with a 57% grade. The block also contains 0.4 million tonnes of iron ore in dumps, including 300,000 tonnes of fines and 100,000 tonnes of lumps, both averaging 56.1% Fe.
Successful bidders will be required to secure various clearances before commencing mining operations. These include forest and wildlife clearances, environmental permits, explosive licences, groundwater clearance, gram sabha consent, and approvals from the Indian Bureau of Mines, among others. The state government has previously auctioned nine mineral blocks with varied success. To date, only one company has commenced operations, with two additional companies expected to start soon. The upcoming auction reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance mineral resource management and support local industry growth.
