(a) whether the iron ore supplied by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), the biggest supplier of iron-ore, is sufficient in both quality and quantity to meet the demands of indigenous industries;
(b) if so, the quality and quantity of iron-ore supplied by NMDC during each of the last three years and the current year;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure sufficient supply of iron-ore to all indigenous industries?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL, MINES AND LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)
(a)&(b): No, Madam.
(c) The consumption of iron ore by the domestic industries during 2013-14 was estimated at 103.73 million tones, whereas total production of iron ore in the country during 2013-14 was 152.06 million tones (Provisional). NMDC supplied about 27% of the estimated consumption of iron ore by the domestic industries in 2013-14. The remaining requirement of iron ore by the domestic industry was either sourced from captive iron ore mines or was supplied by other iron ore producers.
(d) Iron ore being in deregulated sector, its supply is sourced by the individual companies based on their individual requirement. However, NMDC is taking steps to increase its production of iron ore by opening up new iron ore mines and expanding the capacity of existing iron ore mines.