Hoda panel not for QRs on iron ore exports: Minister

New Delhi, July 31 (UNI) The high-level committee headed by Mr Anwarul Hoda, Member, Planning Commission, which reviewed the National Mineral Policy, 1993, Mines and Minerals (Development&Regulation) Act, 1957, has suggested that there is no need to impose any quantitative restriction on export of Hematite iron ore.

Giving this information, Minister of State for Mines T Subbarami Reddy told the Rajya Sabha today that the panel had considered the present stock of Hematite iron ore, its production and consumption pattern before making its suggestion.

In another written reply, Dr Reddy said the report of the committee, which has suggested changes to encourage investment in exploration and exploitation of minerals, was under consideration of his Ministry.

He said that the Planning Commission has forwarded to the Mines Ministry the report of the Hoda Committee set up to consider review of the National Mineral Policy and recommend possible amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to give a fillip to private investment in the sector.

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