Goa's Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Goa College of Engineering (GEC) to set up a testing laboratory for determining the grade of iron ore.

At present, the DMG relies on empanelled NABL-accredited laboratories to test iron ore samples.
Whenever leaseholders dispatch iron ore from a mining lease area, they submit a laboratory test certificate indicating the grade of the ore while applying for transit or sale permits.

Following the application, DMG geologists draw samples from the ore stack proposed for dispatch and send them to empanelled laboratories for independent testing and verification.

Director of Mines and Geology Narayan Gad said the department compares the grade mentioned in the leaseholder's certificate with the grade determined through the DMG's testing process. The higher of the two grades is then considered for calculating the applicable premium and royalty.

Meanwhile, the Mines Department has successfully auctioned 18 iron ore mining blocks, of which six have already commenced operations.