Question : MONOPOLISTIC PRICING BY NMDC

(a) whether the Government has received any representation from the industrial bodies like ASSOCHAM, FICCI, SIMA including Chhattisgarh Sponge Iron Manufacturers’ Association etc. complaining against monopolistic/unilateral pricing by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC);

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;and

(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to address the concerns of industrial bodies and to ensure availability of iron ore to domestic steel industry at affordable price?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL, MINES AND LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a)to(c): Yes, Madam. Some representations have been received in the Ministry of Steel regarding pricing mechanism of NMDC Limited. Being a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise, the commercial and financial decisions including pricing of iron ore are decided by the company based on various factors. However, to improve availability of iron ore to domestic steel industry at affordable price, the Government has imposed the export duty on iron ore to 30% ad valorem on all grades of iron ore and 5% export duty on pellets.