Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry

16-May-2012 15:47 IST

No Proposal to Ban Iron Ore Exports

The current rate of export duty with effect from 30.12.2011 is 30% ad-valorem on all types of iron ore (except Pellets).

                                    Details of iron ore domestic consumption and export since 2007 is as per the statement given below:-

Qty in million tonnes

YEAR	DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION	EXPORT
2007-08	85.30	104.27
2008-09	85.51	105.87
2009-10	90.62	117.37
2010-11	106.16	97.66

                        There is no proposal to ban export of iron-ore. At present export is being ­­­­discouraged through higher export tariff and higher railway freight on export cargo.  Regulations on exports other than through fiscal measures may have an adverse impact on the development of iron ore mining as a whole.  Stockpiling of iron ore ‘fines’  would cause environmental hazards and increase the cost of lumpy ore used by domestic industry.  However, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, vide its order dated 29^th July, 2011, suspended mining operations and transportation of iron ore in Bellary District, Karnataka, in view of over exploitation and subsequently also directed  that no part of the iron ore production in Bellary shall be exported till further orders. 

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia  in a written reply in the Rajya  Sabha today.

DS/GK

Iron ore export regulation emphasized: no ban proposed, exports discouraged by higher duty and freight, Bellary exports restricted. Current policy applies a 30% ad-valorem export duty on iron ore (except pellets) and there is no proposal to ban exports; exports are discouraged through higher export tariffs and increased railway freight. Regulatory measures beyond fiscal tools may harm mining development; stockpiling fines creates environmental hazards and raises domestic lumpy ore costs. Judicial suspension of mining and export from Bellary District has been ordered until further notice.