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INTRODUCTION:

Minerals are capital assets of the nation and a major source for development. Increasing dependence on minerals in the modern society and economy is well known. Management of mineral resources has therefore to be closely integrated with the overall strategy of development and exploitation of minerals is to be guided by long term national and state goals and perspectives. It is in this context it is found necessary to spell out in a statement the different objectives of the policy relating to development of the mineral resources of the State.

The State of Goa is located along mid West Coast of India. Bordering the State towards the North is the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra State, on the east and south, districts of Karnataka State and on the west is the Arabian Sea with a coast line stretching about 105 km in the state. Goa covers an area of 3700 sq mts and has many physical features that are common to the neighbouring regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Goa is divided into 2 districts viz North Goa and South Goa which are divided into 11 talukas’ spread over both these districts. The State is rich in minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite and moulding sand. Mining is an important activity for the economy of Goa and a significant foreign exchange earner for the State. Certain natural factors like the presence of coast line, a very good natural harbour at Marmagoa and a number of navigable perennial rivers and streams have promoted the economic exploitation of these mineral deposits. The Mandovi and Zuari rivers, their tributaries and the Cumbarjua canal are key factors in maintaining economic viability of Goa Mines. Transport of ore by barges is the cheapest option as compared to road and rail transport.

Practically, the entire territory of Goa is covered by rocks of the Dharwar Super Group of the Archean Proterozoic age except for a narrow strip in the Northeastern corner of the territory which is covered by a Deccan Trap of the Upper Cretaceous-Lower Eocene age. The Dharwar Super Group consist broadly of four formation of which the Bicholim formations is very important from commercial angle as it contains the iron and manganese ore deposits.