TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goa, once of the largest exporter of low grade iron ore has now become the importer of high grade ore for its steel manufacturing companies, with three leading steel manufacturing units – Goa Carbon, Ambey Metalic and Shardha Ispat – importing nearly 54,000 tonnes of iron ore from African countries.
Hanjin Seto, a cargo vessel from Africa, carrying 64 grade iron ore reached Mormugao Port on March 13, 2015. The companies paid USD 84 per tonne, for the imported iron ore. A senior official confirmed that the delay in the resumption of mining activities, forced the steel plants to import high grade ore.
“Earlier these industries utilized 60 grade iron ore from Goa itself. Though such high grade ore was produced in lesser quantities, it was sufficient for the State’s steel manufacturing units,” a Directorate of Mines and Geology official said. Apparently, some four more companies have applied to the directorate seeking permission to import iron ore.
The Government’s September 11, 2012 temporary ban on mining operations, was lifted after almost 2 months ago in January, 2015. Mining activity has not yet resumed. On Tuesday Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar announced that suspensions of Environment Clearances (ECs) had been revoked by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). Uncertainty still prevails as no order has yet come. The delay in resumption of mining activity also saw a drastic decline in steel production.
The official informed that post the mining ban, Goa’s China market has been captured by Africa, Australia and Brazil. Also, China has now curtailed its steel manufacturing capacity.
Until 2011, Goa exported around 54 million tonnes of ore, though it extracted only 47 million tonnes. Prior to that, the State’s annual exports ranged between 42 to 47 million tonnes. China was the largest buyer for the State’s low grade iron ore.
