Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said that the mining industry will resume operations by this year-end, thereby restarting the economic activity in the iron ore rich belts of the state.

"State government has already started the process to resume mining activity in the state. Mining has been an important issue before the government. It will start before this year end," Parrikar said addressing the gathering after hoisting national flag on 68th Independence Day.

He said that post the resumption of mining, economic activity in the iron ore rich belt will pick up thereby addressing the crucial issue of livelihood by the people dependent on mining industry.

The Chief Minister thanked people for electing BJP-led government at the Centre, which according to him, would now help in expediting the development of Goa.

"For last two years, the state government struggled for a fast paced development due to non-cooperative behaviour of Congress-led Central government," he added.

Parrikar said that the state government has already reached almost 75-80 percent of the population through its social welfare schemes.--PTI