PTI reported that the iron ore export from Goa, which had stopped for, resumed after the local fishermen ended the blockade of channels leading to the two main ports of the state.

The demolition was stopped after Chief Minister Mr Digambar Kamat intervened and called a meeting of all concerned people.

The industry sources confirmed that the barges had begun offloading the ore into trans shippers anchored at the outer harbor of Mormugao Port Trust and Panaji Minor Port.

Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association's Secretary, Mr Glen Kalavampara told PTI that the loading had started in around 20 trans shippers.

He said that the exporters suffered loss of USD 160,000 due to the strike that began on Friday.

Mr Atul Jadhav president of All Goa Barge Owners Association's said that the barges had now started moving to outer harbor. Industry sources stated that the shippers had decided to apply for force measure clause (frustration of contract due to events beyond one's control) with the buyers, to avoid paying for undelivered ore.

A representative of a leading shipper said that "Certainly, applying for such clause sends wrong signal about the country."

The fishermen from Vasco town had blocked the channels by anchoring almost 1,000 fishing trawlers and canoes to protest the demolition of their houses at Kharewado, to pave the way for expansion of MPT.

(Sourced from PTI)