TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
VASCO: After an 18-month ban on export of iron ore, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) is expected to export 70,000 tonnes of iron ore to China late Thursday night.
It may be recalled that extraction and export of iron ore in the State had come to a grinding halt since September 2012, after the Shah Commission had exposed gross illegalities in extraction and export of ore.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Mines Department in a communiqué to the MPT has asked it to halt the export of some 70,000 tonnes to Bagadya Brothers, keeping its NOC on hold, pending inquiry. The cargo was to leave for Singapore.
Speaking to Herald, MPT Chairman P Mara Pandiyan informed that MPT was all set to export about 70,000 tonnes of iron ore to China late Thursday night.
“The export is through e-auctioning and the party has already deposited about Rs 16 crore and the ship will berth at Berth 9 to load the ore,” Pandiyan said.
“Many shipments are in the pipeline to export the stacked iron ore at MPT and the next consignment will be exported on April 5,” he informed.
Asked to comment on the financial implications of iron ore exports on the MPT, Pandiyan replied: “The export of iron ore will not only help the MPT, but the entire State as well.”
Reacting to reports that the iron ore had hardened at Berth 9 of the MPT after it had been stacked for one-and-half years, Pandiyan replied: “JCBs and other earthmovers have been pressed into service to loosen the ore. This was done as soon as MPT received the e-auction order.”
Commenting on the condition of their conveyor belts that have been lying idle since September 2012, Pandiyan said the MPT has been inspecting the conveyor belts since the past two months ago.
“We have certified that they are in fully working condition. I personally monitored this activity to ensure that all operations at the MPT are conducted smoothly,” said the MPT chairman.
