This is in reference to the news article published on our portal regarding “Indian iron ore mining mess - Odisha stops export through Gangavaram and Kakinada ports” on December 13th 2011.

The article is based on information provided by steel and mines department officials stating that Kakinada Port and Gangavaram Port have not shared information requested by them on iron ore exports.

The management of Gangavaram Port would like to clarify that GPL management has always been responsive to all requests made by Director of Mines, Govt. of Odisha & Department of Steel and Mines, Govt. of Odisha and /or any statutory authorities for any relevant information regarding Iron Ore fines export from GPL. The management would also like to reiterate that GPL has the best systems and procedures for cargo accounting for Iron ore as well as all other commodities handled by the Port.

Gangavaram Port Ltd has provided the data on export of Iron ore fines to DDM office with copy to Department of Steel and Mines, Govt. of Odisha. The data has been provided since beginning of Iron ore exports from GPL, commencing from 2009 till 31 October 2011 and the same has been duly acknowledged by DDM office. All the data provided by GPL is based on ‘Export Shipping Bill’ for the shipments filed with Customs department.

The data was initially provided to DDM office with copy to Department of Steel and Mines on 07 October 2011. The data was also collected (at Gangavaram Port) and acknowledged in person by designated Mining Officer, Ganjam on 14 October 2011. The senior GPL executives met the officials at DDM and Department of Steel and Mines on at Bhubaneswar on 14th November 2011 and 15th November 2011 and handed over the data to them personally and receipt was acknowledged by the officials.

GPL again reaffirms its commitment to share any and all required information related to Iron Ore fines exports from GPL as may be required by Department of Steel and Mines, Government of Odisha and /or any statutory authorities.