PANAJI
In what could give a major push to Goa's economy, the much awaited iron ore mining activities have commenced in the State after a gap of over six years, with M/s Vedanta Limited starting operations of its Mineral Block at Bicholim.
Bicholim Mineral Block -- comprising of Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem and Sirigao villages -- is the first auctioned mine to become operational since March 2018, following a blanket ban on mining by the Supreme Court. The Apex Court had quashed the second renewals granted to all 88 mining leases, directing the State to opt for auction mode.
The mineral block, with an area of 478.5206 ha is located in Bicholim is the only block that has been granted Environment Clearance (EC) by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), followed by Consent to Operate by the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
The mineral block has got permission for production of three million tonnes per annum (MPTA) of iron ore.
"Heralding a new era of inclusive development, Vedanta Sesa Goa commenced mining operations at Bicholim Mineral Block -- Block 1 in the State of Goa," the company said in a statement issued on Thursday.
“This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment for both the local community and the economy of the state of Goa, ushering in prospects of employment, growth, development, prosperity,” the company said adding that the operations will catalyse the generation of direct and indirect employment opportunities and benefit various stakeholders including communities.
The State government has so far e-auctioned total nine mineral blocks.
"We are well prepared to initiate & sustain safe & responsible mining operations & will be relying on increasingly modern & advanced technologies to operate the mines in a sustainable manner," said Krishna Reddy, COO-Mining, Sesa Goa, Vedanta Ltd.
