India Morning News
Panaji, 1 December 2025 — The Goa Government has officially started mining operations at the Kalay Iron Ore Mine and the Cuddegal Processing Plant. The announcement was made during a programme at the International Centre, Dona Paula, where newly recruited workers also received their appointment letters. The move marks a major milestone in the State’s efforts to revive mining in a transparent and regulated manner after a twelve-year halt.
Under the new operational plan, 159 workers have been appointed to the Kalay Mine and 34 to the Cuddegal Plant. All ore extracted at Kalay will be processed at Cuddegal, creating a fully integrated mining and processing system within Goa. Officials noted that the restart aligns with the State’s wider mining reforms, including e-auctions and dump auctions aimed at enhancing accountability and stability in the sector.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated, “After twelve years of uncertainty, Goa is witnessing a stable and legally strong revival of the mining sector. Our commitment is to ensure complete transparency, accountability and environmental responsibility at every mine and processing unit. I thank the Fomento Group, especially Shri Auduth Timblo, for resuming operations and prioritising local employment.”
The programme was attended by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Auduth Timblo, Dr. Vivek Monteiro, Rajiv Kumar, former MP Vinay Tendulkar, senior officials from the Department of Mines and Geology, representatives of Fomento Resources and industry stakeholders.
