Pvt Cos leading PSUs in iron ore production

New Delhi, Sep 10 (UNI) Changing the trend, the private sector companies have captured the position of large scale producers of iron ore from the public sector companies.

The lower production of iron ore by PSUs vis a vis higher production by the private sector companies is a recent phenomenon, Steel Ministry sources say.

The production of iron ore by the PSUs and private sector companies in 2000-01 was 43.49 million tonnes (MT) and 37.27 MT respectively. In 2001-02, it was 45.09 MT and 41.12 MT respectively and in 2002-03 it was 49.69 MT and 49.37 MT respectively.

But in 2003-04 (Provisional), the trend changed as iron ore production from PSUs stood at 56.90 MT while the private companies recorded 63.69 MT.

In 2004- 05 (Provisional), the trend continued with PSUs and private players recording iron ore production at 57.08 MT and 85.62 MT respectively.

The significant higher production by private sector during 2003-04 and 2004-05 was on the account of unexpected and huge demand from China, the sources said.

The export of iron ore from India is mainly in the form of fines.

It is mainly provided by the private sector which is involved in the exports of iron ore. If the Chinese demand declines, the Indian miners will find their markets for fines dwindling. Their operations also becomes inactive in the event of decline in exports from the mines.

The sources said the public sector Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) will develop new mines at Chiria, Rowghat, Taldih, Thakurani, South Block (Kiriburu) and Central Block (Meghathaburu).

It will also expand its Bolani iron ore mine.

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has also made plans to increase the production of iron ore from the present level of around 23 MT during 2005-06 to 32 MT by the year 2009-10.

Similarly, the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) was in possession of only one iron ore mine at Kudremukh in the State of Karnataka, in which the mining operation has been stopped on December 31, 2005, under Supreme Court's direction.

The company is now trying for allotment of mining lease in Karnataka and Orissa.

Orissa Mineral Development Corporation Limited (OMDC) has also requested the State Pollution Control Board for No Objection Certificate (NOC) for increasing annual capacity from the present level of 22.33 lakh tonnes per annum to 99.60 lakh tonnes per annum, the sources added.

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