Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the resumption of dump mining in Goa will create employment opportunities, boost local businesses and generate economic activity in mining-affected areas.

The statement came as Chowgule’s mining company commenced operations at the Pale iron ore dump, the first dump to be operationalised under the Goa government’s 2023 policy regulating the handling and processing of iron ore dumps.

Sawant said the initiative would facilitate responsible utilisation of mineral resources while creating job opportunities for local people and providing a boost to businesses and economic activity in the surrounding areas.

He also said dump mining would generate revenue for the state while being carried out in accordance with environmental and statutory safeguards.

The Chief Minister maintained that the government’s policy seeks to ensure that Goa’s existing iron ore dumps are utilised in a regulated manner, with due consideration to environmental requirements and legal provisions.