Question : AVAILABILITY AND EXPORT OF IRON ORE



(a) whether 87 per cent of production of Iron ore is being exported from the country;

(b) if so, the reasons for such a huge export in spite of heavy demand from domestic industries;

(c) whether a large number of iron ore based industries have been affected due to shortage of iron ore in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure availability of iron ore to all sectors in the country and to regulate its export?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) & (b) No Madam. Details of iron ore production and export during the last two years and current year are given below:

Production(in ‘000 tonnes)	Export(in ‘000 tonnes)

2010-11 207157 97660

2011-12 (Provisional) 167289 61740

2012-13 (Provisional) 71789 14440 (April-September, 2012)
(Source: Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines and Department of Commerce)

(c) No Madam.

(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.

(e) To conserve natural resources and to meet the domestic demand, duty on export of iron ore has been increased from 20% to 30% ad valorem basis on all grades of iron ore (except pellets) with effect from 30.12.2011.