Iron ore mining set to resume in Goa after 13 years

After almost 13 years, iron ore mining is set to restart in Goa, with shipments expected to begin in January 2026. Mining in the state had been stopped by a Supreme Court order in October 2012 over environmental concerns.

Addressing the Indian Maritime Week 2025 roadshow (event organized to promote India’s maritime sector), Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said Goa is “entering a new chapter” with the resumption of mining. “The first 12 leases have already been auctioned under a reformed system,” he added.

The government expects mining operations to restart in the current financial year, bringing jobs and opportunities for thousands of Goan families. The move will also boost cargo traffic (movement of goods from one place to another) at Mormugao Port, supporting logistics and related industries.

To address environmental concerns, Sawant emphasized that mining will follow strict safeguards, real-time monitoring, and modern methods. “For our port, this will mean revival of bulk cargo volume with efficiency and sustainability,” he said, highlighting Goa’s maritime economy.

The resumption of container services at Mormugao Port will benefit local industries, especially pharmaceutical exports. Goa currently supplies medicines to over 150 countries, and shifting cargo to Mormugao will reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and create new services like customs (center where imported or exported goods are checked and approved) and logistics hubs.

Sawant also highlighted the growth of cruise tourism in Goa, which he called a “fastest-growing segment” of the state’s economy. Last season, 12 international and 32 domestic cruise ships brought 34,000 visitors. The government is preparing bigger cruise ships and new routes to Mumbai, Kochi, and Lakshadweep, with the cruise terminal almost complete at 83%.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has allowed limited transportation of already mined iron ore, and in 2018 it had quashed lease renewals, requiring fresh environmental clearances.