Goa, Nov. 4 -- Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has appealed to locals not to oppose mining activities in Goa, urging them to support the government's efforts towards reviving the sector and promoting local empowerment.

Sawant said that despite several challenges, the government had successfully auctioned 17 mining blocks, of which six have already commenced operations. He added that the remaining blocks would be fast-tracked to facilitate the resumption of mining activities.

Assuring that mining would be carried out sustainably, the Chief Minister called for public cooperation, stating that the revival of the sector would contribute to local empowerment.

He also announced that a national mining conference would be held in Goa tomorrow ...