The Goan Iron Ore is 100 % export oriented. Iron ore exports commenced in the late 40's with around 30-40 thousand tones of iron ore exported through Mormugao Port. The last decade however showed an average export of 14.8 million tones of iron ore. The highest being 40.53 (Goan & Non-Goan origin) million tones exported in the year 2006-2007.

After liberation from the Portuguese rule, Iron Ore accounted for foreign exchange of Rs.18.31 crores. 40 years later the same commodity has earned Rs. 4500 crores.

Initially, Mormugao Port was the only outlet for the export of ore. While iron ore exports from the rest of the country have to be canalised through the MMTC with the exception of Kudremukh Iron Ore Ltd., the Goan mine owners are permitted to make direct shipments to Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Middle East, Pakistan and Europe.

The Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association closely monitors shipments' grade and price and other parameters. All the direct Iron Ore exports of Goan Origin contracts are registered with the Association.