PANAJI
The State government will establish an Ore Grade Testing Laboratory at the Goa College of Engineering with an estimated investment of Rs 3 crore, as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure supporting the mining sector, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced.
While delivering 2026-27 Budget speech, Sawant informed the House that the government has successfully completed the auction of 12 iron ore blocks through three Notices Inviting Tender (NITs).
The Chief Minister said that five mining blocks located in Bicholim, Sirigao-Maem, Advalpal-Thivim and Cudnem-Ecormolem are currently operational.
Sawant informed that the government has already received Rs 252.83 crore as an upfront payment from all 12 auctioned blocks. He added that seven additional blocks are presently undergoing the process of securing environmental clearances and other statutory approvals before operations can begin.
The government is also preparing to launch the fourth round of NIT for auctioning additional mining blocks, while the second phase of e-auction of mining dumps is also in the pipeline.
In a relief measure for those affected by the mining sector slowdown, Sawant announced that the scheme “Reimbursement of Green Tax and Fitness Fee for Mining-Affected Truck Owners” will continue this year. The scheme provides financial assistance to tipper truck owners, and a provision of Rs 4 crore has been earmarked in the Budget.
The Chief Minister further proposed a new scheme to support mining-affected barge owners, under which financial assistance will be provided in the form of soft loans through financial institutions to help them undertake repairs and maintenance of their barges.
