Iron ore fines export though Paradip port declined sharply in August due to lower production, higher prices, and transporters’ strike. A total of 752,323 tonne of iron ore was exported from Paradip in August, down from 1,218,043 tonne shipped in the same month last year.

Mr Sujit Dey general manager with export firm Cargo Resourcing and Exports Private Ltd said that “Lower raw material production was the major reason for decline in August exports. Many large mining firms stopped production in July to August period as they did not have necessary clearances. Some other firms, who have raising licenses did not have export permit.”

Orissa, the largest iron ore producing state in the country, has around 200 iron ore mines, of which more than half have shut operations after the state began a crackdown on illegal mining in 2009 on violation of mineral extraction and environmental laws.
The state government has created a high level panel comprising various government officials who will recommend the maximum amount of iron ore that can be extracted by individual mines. The government cited environmental concerns as reasons to curb production.

(Sourced from BS)