(a) the quantum of iron ore deposits in the country at present, State/UT-wise;
(b) the number of iron ore mines allotted in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, company-wise and State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has made any strategy to increase the production of iron ore in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
(a): The State-wise details of quantum of deposits of iron ore available in the country as on 01.04.2013 is at Annexure-I.
(b): Under the provisions of the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Rules framed thereunder respective State Governments are the Competent Authority for grant of mineral concessions. As per information provided by Indian Bureau of Mines (a sub-ordinate office of Ministry of Mines), the details of mining leases granted for iron ore and group of minerals having iron during each of the last three years is given in Annexure-II.
Ghoraburhiani Sagasahi Iron ore block of 139.165 hectare in the State of Odisha has been successfully auctioned to Essar Steel India Limited in the current year as per current regime of MMDR Amendment Act, 2015.
(c) and (d): To promote the mineral sector and increase production, the Government has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015. The most important provisions of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015 are:
(i) grant of mineral concessions through auction by competitive bidding;
(ii) transition provisions for extension of existing leases to obviate disruptions in supply of ore and to ensure regular supply of raw material to the industry;
(iii) allowing easy transferability of mineral concessions granted through auction, which would facilitate investments into the mining sector; and
(iv) establishment of National Mineral Exploration Trust for regional and detailed exploration;
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