The Goa government is considering a proposal to reduce the area considered directly affected by mining operations from 15km to 10km from the boundary of mining leases. This change, proposed by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), aims to allow 70% of its funds to be allocated to areas directly impacted by mining, with the remaining 30% going to indirectly affected areas. The DMF argues that Goa’s small size necessitates a smaller “directly affected” area. The proposal, if approved by the governing council and state government, will require a revised definition of affected areas. The DMF, established in 2015, utilizes funds collected from mining operations to finance development projects and welfare programs in mining-affected areas. Additionally, the Directorate of Mines and Geology is conducting a study to assess the quantity and quality of low-grade iron ore dumps in the state, with the aim of granting permissions for their handling.