(a) whether iron ore extracted from Kudremukh area in Karnataka is being exported to Japan;
(b) if so, the total quantity exported during the last three years;
(c) whether it is a fact that the Kudremukh iron ore has gold concentration which would be economical to our country;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this connection?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL (SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY)
(a) Yes, Sir. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. exports iron ore concentrates, iron ore pellets and pellet fines to Japan.
(b) The total quantity exported to Japan during the last three years by KIOCL was as under:
Qty. in Dry Metric Tonnes
Year Concentrate Pellets Pellet Fines
2000-2001 836089 61588 31054 1999-2000 962329 81109 81334 1998-1999 1048840 188151 62277