Maintaining the ban on Iron ore mining, the Supreme Court in November, 2013 allowed Goa Government to e-auction the already existing 15 MnT Iron ore lying at stock point.
State government appointed an e-auction Committee to offer the raw material through e-auction process in Goa. Initially, it has allowed e-auction of about 1 MnT of Iron ore which is expected to happen in the beginning of Feb 2014.
Low grade material (Fe 52% or less) is allowed for export too as domestic Steel mills would not be interested to procure it in big quantities.
A ban on mining was imposed in Goa because of environmental concerns in Sep, 2012. The state was country’s largest exporter then. Exports from India have dropped sharply to 18 MnT in FY13. 11.03 MnT has been exported in Apr-Dec 2013.
On 30 Jan, 2014, a training programme will be conducted by MSTC for enrolled bidders. The process of e-auction and stockpile quantity, timing & venue is yet to be decided. On 14 Jan, 2014, Goa Government invited application from prospective bidders for qualifying to participate in e-auction.
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