Question : POLICY ON EXPORT OF IRON ORE

(

(a) whether the Government have initiated a review of the export policy on iron ore exports;

(b) if so, the outcome thereof; (

(c) the total iron ore exports from the country in 2000-2001; (

(d) whether the Government are considering putting a cap on such iron ore exports; (

(e) the foreign exchange earned from such iron ore exports in 2000-2001; (

(f) whether there is a proposal to close down iron ore mines, which are at the end of their utility and very costly from the ecological point of view; and

( g ) if so, the details of steps proposed by the Government on iron ore and its exports?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH )

(a ) & ( b) : Yes, Sir. Government reviewed the export policy on iron ore during 2000-01 and decided that Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation ( MMTC ) would continue to be the canalizing agency for export of Iron Ore with Iron content 64% and above. However, Government has also been allowing private exporters who own iron ore mines to export High Grade Iron ore in order to bring in healthy competition and also in line with progressive liberalized policy.

( c ) : The total quantity of iron ore exported during 2000-01 is to the extent of 37.29 Million Tonnes.

( d ) : Under the current policy there exist a cap on the export of High Grade Iron Ore in the following manner which is valid up to year 2005-2006.

( Qty. in Million Tonnes Per Annum )
Bailadila Lumps	-	3.0	Bailadila Fines	-	3.8	High Grade Lumps ( Bellary Hospet Sector)	-	1.2	High Grade Fine ( Bellary Hospet Sector )	-	3.0