PANJIM/NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently in Delhi, urged Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javdekar to replace the existing uniform export duty regime with a differential export duty on iron ore, to help the lower grade ore produced in Goa, since it is not of any significant use to the domestic steel industry.
He also advanced the proposal for a higher rate of export duty on higher grade of iron ore and lower rates for corresponding lower grade ore, during a meeting with Union Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Delhi.
Both also discussed the amendments proposed to the MMDR Act (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act), officials said.
The government had announced that its draft of the mining policy in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines would be out by mid-July. The same would be tabled in the forthcoming assembly session, beginning from July 22, for discussion.
The Union mines minister has also written to the chief minister to solicit their views on amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957 and relevant rules that provide the legislative framework to regulate the mining sector in the country.
Supreme Court on April 24 lifted its ban imposed on ore mining activities in the state.
