Panaji, May 14: Goa’s iron ore mining sector, once dominated by traditional Goan mining houses, is increasingly slipping into the hands of large national steel and infrastructure giants, raising serious questions over the State government’s much-publicised “Swayampurna Goa” vision.The latest mineral block auction has further strengthened the hold of outside corporate players over Goa’s mining economy. In the recently concluded auction process, the Pissurlem Mineral Block No. XV was bagged by JSW Steel, adding another major Goa mining asset to the portfolio of a national steel giant. According to reports, the Pissurlem block contains an estimated 96 million tonnes of iron ore reserves, with JSW Steel emerging as the preferred bidder at 118.10% of the value of mineral dispatched. The latest auction outcome has intensified concerns that Goa’s mineral wealth is gradually moving away from local stakeholders and into the control of national corporate entities. Of the 17 mineral blocks auctioned by the State government so far, only six have reportedly gone to Goa-based mining firms, while the remaining majority have been secured by outside steel manufacturers, mining corporations and infrastructure companies. Critics argue that while the government continues to promote the slogan of “Swayampurna Goa” and speaks of self-reliance, the reality in the mining sector reflects the exact opposite trend. They point out that one of Goa’s most valuable natural resources is steadily being transferred to corporate players from outside the State, reducing the role of traditional Goan mining stakeholders. Concerns are also being raised over the long-term economic implications of this transition. Observers fear that if the ownership and operational control of mineral blocks remain concentrated in the hands of national giants, Goa may eventually lose local participation in one of its historically strongest economic sectors. Many believe the issue is not merely about mining auctions, but about the future control over Goa’s natural resources, employment generation, transport networks, ancillary industries and the overall economic direction of the State. The debate is expected to intensify further in the coming months as more mineral blocks are brought under the auction process and large corporate entities continue expanding their footprint in Goa’s mining landscape.