It is reported that a high level government panel has favored resuming iron ore mining in eco-sensitive Western Ghats, notwithstanding relentless opposition from environmentalists who consider mining a preposterous proposition in the region.

A committee headed by Steel Secretary Mr PK Mishra has recommended the resumption of iron ore mining in Western Ghats to meet the demand for ore from domestic steel makers. The committee was constituted to make recommendations on steel sector for the 12th Five Year Plan.

The report said since around 10 billion tonnes of Magnetite or natural iron ore reserves were available in Western Ghats, it could be explored if it would meet the demand from steel making companies. Around 8 billion tonnes of this ore deposit is expected to be found in Karnataka.

The Steel Ministry suggestion came in the background of strong demand by domestic steel companies to allow iron ore mining in unexplored areas to meet the current requirement after the stoppage of mining in Bellary district in Karnataka following reports of large-scale illegal mining and over exploitation of the resource.

India produced about 208 million tonnes of iron ore in 2010-11 and half of quality ore was exported. In 2011-12, it will require 115 million tonnes of iron ore for the projected production of 73.7 million tonne of steel. In next five years, around 206 million tonnes of ore is required to produce the projected 125.9 million tonnes of steel. To meet the targeted steel production, the Steel Ministry is of the opinion that allowing mining in unexplored areas is viable.

Iron ore mining was banned in the Western Ghats after the Supreme Court order in 2005 preventing public sector undertaking Kudremukh Iron Ore Company from mining at Kudremukh in Chikmagalur district for environmental reasons.

(Sourced from www.deccanherald.com)