India: Dharti Dredging and Infrastructure Limited wins Cavorem-Maina block in Goa iron ore auction

• Cavorem-Maina block auction sees 88.88% premium bid
  
  
• Goa's iron ore auction activity remains active in 2026
  
  

Dharti Dredging and Infrastructure Limited secured the Cavorem-Maina Mineral Block No. XVIII in the Goa iron ore auction, emerging as the preferred bidder with a premium of 88.88%. Located in Quepem taluka of South Goa, the block spans around 165.4 hectares, with nearly 119.47 hectares identified as mineralised area. The block comprises three former mining lease areas Joleracho Donger (Maina) Iron Ore Mine, Devapan/Devadongar Iron and Manganese Ore Mine, and Betegal (Maina) Iron Ore Mine.

The block hosts iron ore resources estimated at around 13.88 mnt with an average Fe grade of 54.26%. Out of the total resources, lumps account for around 4.58 mnt, while fines contribute nearly 9.3 mnt, indicating higher availability of fines. Additionally, the block contains around 0.69 mnt of dump material, of which nearly 0.22 mnt is considered recoverable with Fe grades ranging between 45-51%.

The mineral block has undergone G1 to G3 level exploration with 142 boreholes drilled across the lease area. Ore thickness varies from 5-15 metres in some zones and extends up to 60 metres in Devapan/Devadongar areas, supporting long-term mining prospects.

From a logistics perspective, the block offers moderate connectivity. The nearest railway station, Sanvordem (Curchorem), is located around 20 km away, while Mormugao Port is situated approximately 42-46 km from the lease area, supporting ore transportation and export potential.

Goa auction overview

Goa has successfully auctioned six iron ore mine blocks during Apr-May'26, highlighting robust participation and strong bidding interest from both steelmakers and merchant miners. The concluded auctions covered prominent mineral assets such as Cudnem, Pissurlem, Adwalpale-Moitem, and Cavorem-Maina blocks, with winning premiums ranging from 88.88% to 151.05%, reflecting continued confidence in Goas iron ore sector. Among all the awarded assets, Pissurlem Mineral Block No. XV secured by JSW Steel emerged as the largest block with total geographical resources of around 100.83 mnt, while the recently awarded Cavorem-Maina Block XVIII further strengthened the momentum in Goas ongoing mine auction activity.