(a) the number of sick iron ore mining units in the country at present, State-wise;
(b) the time since when these mining units are sick;
(c) the reasons for their sickness;
(d) whether the Government has any proposal for revival of these sick iron ore mining units;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILISER SAND MINISTER OF STEEL (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a)to(f): A mining activity may become unviable if the mineral is exhausted or the minerals cannot be mined at economically viable cost. There is no provision in the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 for furnishing information by the mines owners on sick mines. The State-wise details of individual sick iron ore mines are not maintained by Central Government. However, none of the iron ore producing Public Sector Companies, under Ministry of Steel, are making losses.