(a) the number of iron-ore mines allocated during each of the last three years till-date, State and Union Territory-wise;
(b) whether merchant miners are acquiring large number of mines for export purposes without
adding value;
(c) if so, the total quantity of iron-ore exported during the above period; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to protect and conserve iron-ore
reserves in the country?
THE MINISTER OF MINES
(SHRI SIS RAM OLA)
(a) The State Governments are the owners of minerals and grant mineral concessions and prior
approval of Central Government is required for grant of mineral concession for minerals listed
in First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which
also includes iron ore. The year-wise details of mineral concession proposals approved by
Central Government including those approved for grant of mining lease for iron ore during
last three years are available on website of Ministry of Mines (http://www.mines.nic.in).
(b) Under the National Mineral Policy in 1993, mining for non-fuel and non-atomic minerals has
been thrown open for private sector investment and an Indian National or a Company as
defined in sub-section 3(1) of the Companies Act, 1956 can undertake mining based on the
economic viability of the project. Mining is a stand-alone activity. The Central Government,
based on the State Government recommendations, accords prior approval for grant of mineral
concessions in terms of the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and Rules framed there under.
The export of minerals including iron ore is as per the EXIM policy of the Government.
(c) The export figures of the iron ore as provided by Ministry of Commerce are as under:
Year Export (Quantity in Million Metric Tonnes)
2004-05 78.14 2005-06 89.27 2006-07 (Provisional) 93.79 2007-08 (Apr-Dec) 63.58