Orissa likely to regulate export of iron ore and chrome

Bhubaneswar, Jan 12 (PTI) Keeping in view the futurerequirement of minerals in the state, the Orissa government isplanning to regulate export of iron ore and chrome abroad andat home.

"I have accepted a proposal from the industriesdepartment on putting restriction on export of iron ore andchrome," Steel and Mines minister Raghunath Mohanty said.

The Industries department also suggested regulation ofprivate mines exporting minerals to other states and abroad,he said.

The move came in view of the state signing about 80MoUs with different companies for setting up steel, aluminium,cement and power plants in the state, Mohanty said.

If there was no regulation on the export of minerals,mostly iron ore and chrome, industries within the state couldface shortage of raw materials in coming days, he said.

He said the proposal would soon be sent for theapproval of the chief minister.

Mohanty said the industries department also suggestedrestriction on export by private mines. "Private mines shouldbe asked to sell 60 per cent of their production within thestate and rest to other states," he said.

Of the 77.19 million tonne of iron ore produced in2009-10, 16.35 mt was exported to China and other countries.

Similarly of the three million tonne of chrome produced duringthe period, 1.63 mt was sent abroad, sources said.

The state government recently restricted state ownedOrissa Mining Corporation on use of iron ore and chrome. PTIAAM SKN

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