Iron ore exports from the country have plunged sharply so far this year.
In the first 11 months of 2011, export volumes totalled an estimated 80 million tonnes. This represents a year-on-year fall of as much as 22 million tonnes.
First it was Karnataka from where iron ore exports were prohibited; but subsequently the ban was lifted. It is now Orissa's turn. In November, preliminary export data suggest shipment of 5.1 million tonnes, down more than a third year on year. A major reason for decline in export volume is said to be Orissa.
EXPORT CURBS
On the policy side, the workshop noted that export curbs applied to minerals and metal products have become more frequent, causing concern in countries that rely on imports of raw materials for steelmaking.
At the same time, it is absolutely essential that finite raw material sources like iron ore are conserved in the country for future requirement.
But the real issue at hand is not domestic availability for the future, but suspicion of ongoing illegal mining for the lucrative export market.
Leave a Reply