Dona Paula: Chief minister Pramod Sawant has said that the export of Iron Ore is expected to begin within this financial year with the dispatches starting as early as January 2026.
Addressing the Indian Maritime Week 2025 Roadshow on Friday evening near here, Sawant said that Goa is entering anew chapter with the resumption of Iron Ore mining.
The iron ore mining in the state has stopped since 2012 after the supreme court verdict.
“Goa is entering a new chapter with the resumption of iron ore mining. The first 12 leases have already been auctioned under the reformed regime,” Sawant said addressing the roadshow organised by the Mormugao Port Authority in coordination with Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
Sawant said that the government expect the operation to begin within this financial year with the dispatch starting as early as January 2026.
“This will bring job and opportunities for thousands of Goan families,” he said adding that it will also revive cargo from Mormugao Port, result in growth in logistics like transport and related industries.
The chief minister said that the mining will move forward with strict environmental safeguards, real time monitoring and modern practices.
“For our port, this will mean revival of bulk cargo volume with efficiency and sustainability,” he commented.
Sawant said that Goa has always been maritime historically and economically.
“Today, we are moving forward with the clear vision to make Goa a model maritime state,” he said.
Speaking further, he said that Goa’s industry will benefit from the resumption of container services at Mormugao port.
“This is important for pharmaceutical export. Goa already supplies medicines to over 150 countries,” he said.
The chief minister said “I encourage our industry to shift to Mormugao instead on relying on distance port like JNPA.”
He said that this will reduce the cost, cut carbon emission and create new services like customs, container freight stations and logistic hubs in Goa itself.
Talking about the Cruise tourism, he said that the sector has positioned Goa as premier destination.
“It is fastest growing in the segment in Goa’s economy. In the last season, we welcomed 12 international and 32 domestic cruise boats being 34,000 visitors,” he said.
Sawant said that for the next tourist season, the government is preparing for larger vessels and new route connectivity to Mumbai, Kochi and Lakshadweep.
“The work on International and domestic cruise terminal is 83 per cent completed,” he said.
Sawant said that the cruise tourism supports hospitality, transport, handicraft and local culture. “It multiplies the benefit across the state creating the opportunities,” he added.
