Iron ore production in the western Indian state of Goa has remained below one million metric tons since mining operations commenced after the monsoon season break on October 1, 2017, Goa government officials said on Tuesday, November 21.
The official said that just 10 mining lease holders have been able to secure mandatory environmental clearances to resume operations and total cumulative production by these mines since October 1 has been barely 820,000 mt.
The officials said that 89 mining leases were renewed for the new mining season but only 10 resumed operations after they had been granted air and water pollution clearances, but there is no clear indication on how many mining lease holders will resume operations and how soon.
Unofficially, it has been pointed out that, since there are no takers of low grade iron ore fines with Fe content of 58 percent and lower among international buyers, most mining lease holders are in no hurry to commence operations.