Question : SHORTAGE OF LEAD AND ZINC

(a) whether there is any shortage of lead and zinc in the country;

(b) if so, the details of demand and supply of lead and zinc during each of the last three years;

(c) the details of major consumer industries of lead and zinc in the country;

(d) the total consumption of lead and zinc by these industries during each of the last three years;

(e) whether the Government propose to import lead and zinc scrap;

(f) if so, whether the Government are aware that import of lead and zinc is not environmentally viable; and (g) if so, the reasons for such imports?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS

(SMT. RITA VERMA)

(a) Yes, Sir. There is shortage of lead and zinc produced in the country.

(b) to (d) The details of supply of lead and zinc including imports during each of the last three years are as follows:-

(In tonnes).
Lead	Zinc
1996-97 91,810	2,11,149	1997-98	1,02,626	2,42,592	1998-99	1,08,912	2,43,958