Iron ore, manganese, bauxite, high magnesia limestone and clay are the chief minerals of economic importance found in Goa. The mining industry in Goa provides employment to about 11,000 persons directly and about 10,000 persons indirectly.

Major Minerals

Iron, manganese and bauxite ores are the major minerals found in Goa. The iron ore industry is the main industry and the backbone of Goan economy. In 1996-97 the total mineral ore produced in Goa was 137.37 lakh tonnes, of which iron ore consists 136.43 lakh tonnes.

Resources
The iron ore deposits of Goa consist essentially of hematite and are associated with the ferrogenous quartzite and phylites. The deposits containing an average Fe content of 63% by and large are concentrated in the northern and central parts of the territory.

Development
Mining is both manual and mechanical employing open-cast method. The annual production of iron ore is around 15 million tonnes.

Transport
The ore from mines to jetties in general is transported by road in dumpers, and tippers. Being highly navigable, Goan rivers viz. Mandovi and Zuari offer excellent transport facilities from loading point to Mormugao Port from where it is exported to other countries.

Export
The iron of Goa is mainly exported to Japan, European countries, China and South Korea through Mormugao Harbour. The export of iron ore during 97-98 was to the tune of 18.44 million tonnes and foreign exchange earning was Rs.906.09 crores.

Minor Minerals

Spurt in construction activities in recent times has led to extensive exploration of minor minerals, mainly by quarrying method. The minor minerals include (1) River Sand (2) Laterite Stones (3) Basalt / Granite Stones (4) Laterite Rubbles (5) Murrum (6) Brick-earth and (7) Lime Shells. The State Government gives grants for extraction of these minerals, taking care of the ecological balance of the environment, particularly the soil structure.