(a) whether the Government proposes to invest in the Hajigak iron
ore mine in Afghanistan;
(b) if so, the details of the investment;
(c) the progress made in this regard alongwith its present status; and
(d) the safety measures taken by the Government before initialization
of the said project?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a) to (d): The Government of Afghanistan had invited offers for commercial
exploitation of Hajigak Iron Ore Deposit through the process of competitive bidding.
The Ministry of Mines convened a meeting of Indian mining companies, both private
and public sector, on 06.01.2011 and requested them to participate in the Expression
of Interest (EOI). The Ministry of Steel thereafter held a series of meetings to
address the concerns expressed by the companies. The last date for bidding is
4th September, 2011. The final decision of participation in the competitive
bidding process, is a commercial decision of the individual companies.