The Steel and Mines Department of the Odisha government has asked the Pellet Manufacturers Association of India (PMAI) to furnish details on iron ore consumption by pellet producers in India’s eastern region, SteelMint learnt from government sources.
The state government has sought details about the procurement and grade-wise consumption pattern of iron ore by pellet manufacturers and pellet sales by producers in both the domestic and export markets. In a letter to PMAI, the Steel and Mines Department has clarified that the state government is concerned about the production, availability and consumption of iron ore by different categories of users.
The letter from the Steel and Mines Department was in response to PMAI’s recent representation to the Odisha government about the pressing issue of tight availability of iron ore for pellet manufacturers. The association has called the government’s attention to the dire shortage of iron ore for pellet producers in the country’s eastern region, sources informed SteelMint.
Supply shortfall
As per PMAI, the supply of iron ore for pellet producers in the eastern region has been falling short of satisfying roughly 50% of demand, an alarming scenario! Shortage of iron ore is an immediate and pressing concern for pellet producers, SteelMint learnt.
PMAI has sought an appointment with the Principal Secretary, Steel and Mines Department, Odisha government, with a view to highlighting the problems that pellet producers are currently facing, with respect to shortage of raw materials and rising costs.
Sources in PMAI told SteelMint that a long questionnaire needs to be filled up by the association, as directed by the Odisha government, providing the necessary details before a formal appointment with the Principal Secretary could be arranged.
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