CITU seeks ban on export of haematite iron ore

Bangalore, Jan 19 (UNI) The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) today demanded that the Centre ban export of haematite variety of iron ore as the Indian steel industry heavily depended on it.

In a resolution adopted at the ongoing 12th, All India CITU Conference here, it said India had roughly 11 billion tonnes of haematite ore mainly in Jharkhand, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Indian steel industry consumed only haematite iron ore, which was much sought after at the global level.

The present pace of export along with increasing domestic consumption of the haematite variety would lead to the ore not lasting more than 25 years, it said, warning that India would then have to import iron ore to keep the steel plants running.

Magnetite, the other variety of iron ore, was of poor quality and much more costly for use. The magnetite variety could be exported, subject to environmental clearance for mining activities, the resolution said.

The other resolutions passed at the conference were opposing the civil nuclear deal inked with the US, demanding expansion of public sector in pharmaceutical industry for price reduction and availability of essential medicine, action against agrarian distress and introduction of reservation in the private sector.

UNI