Govt open to policy changes for Iron Ore

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) The Government will consider any policy changes that may be required for optimum utilization of iron ore resources of the country, Steel Secretary R S Pandey said.

Delivering the inaugural address at the International Seminar on Iron Ore Beneficiation and Pelletisation here today, Mr Pandey said, the growth of the steel industry has been spectacular after 2000 with the global output rising over 50 per cent.

He said, the Indian steel industry has registered a growth of over 10 per cent during the 10th plan period. With China and India recording high growth rates, the demand for steel is rising. Some of the global researchers are projecting a higher demand growth for steel over the next few years, he said adding that this is putting pressure on the global steel prices and spot prices reflect the trend.

With reserves of high-grade iron ore being limited, there is urgent need for utilization of lower grade ores and fines.

The Steel Secretary said the answer to this problem lies in beneficiation and pelletisation, which has not got enough attention of our steel makers due to the availability of high grade ores. He said the technology is now available for effective beneficiation and should be increasingly adopted to make steel and mining industry both sustainable. He added that if any policy changes are required in this context, the government would be willing to consider them.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) S K Roongta said, beneficiation is going to play an important part as it will reduce the input of iron ore, expenditure and capital cost. He called upon the steel and mineral industry to collaborate for optimum use of this resource. Special Secretary in the Ministry of Steel A K Rath, Joint Secretary Uday Pratap Singh and Industrial Advisor A C R Das were among those who addressed the opening session.

About 200 delegates from home and abroad are attending the seminar to discuss various aspects of iron ore beneficiation and pelletisation.

UNI