India: Iron Ore Production in Odisha falls by over 36% in FY15

Odisha, India’s top Iron ore producing state, has witnessed a fall of over 36% in production of Iron ore in FY15, according to a provisional data recorded at Odisha Mining Department. Odisha’s Iron ore production in FY15 stood at about 46-47 MnT against 74 MnT in FY14.

Rungta Mines remained the largest producer, followed by Tata Steel and Serajuddin Mines. The Supreme Court last year (16 May’14) had passed an order to shutdown the mines, which were operating on 2^nd deemed renewal. Net 18 Iron ore & Manganese mines were closed, resulting a production loss of over 20 MnT.

State officials have sought renewing 18 mines under MMDR act, which gives a provision of extension of lease till Mar’20 for merchant miners and Mar’30 for captive miners.

Mines-wise Iron Ore Production in Odisha

P- Provisional Data
* Mines Closed
** One Mines Operational out of three

India’s Total Iron Ore Production may touch 125 MnT in FY15

India’s total Iron ore production is expected to be about 125 MnT in FY15 against 152 MnT in FY14. Odisha will remain the largest Iron ore producing state, followed by Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Indian Iron Ore Imports hit 15 MnT in FY15

To compensate production loss of Iron ore, Indian steelmakers have significantly imported Iron ore, which is recorded at just over 15 MnT in FY15. Largest importer was JSW Steel (9 MnT), followed by Tata Steel.

To add on, Indian Iron ore exports have also noticed a sharp fall of over 65% in FY15. Total exports are recorded at about 5.5 MnT in FY15, which was at 16.5 MnT in FY14.