Ban will not curb illegal mining, say mining lords

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 28: The state’s mining barons, irrespective of their party affiliations, are enraged about the state government’s ban on export of iron ore from the ports. Santhosh Lad, the Congress legislator, is planning to go to court regarding the matter; and BJP MLA Anand Singh wants to talk to the CM about it.

The state government has banned the export of iron ore in spite of the fact that iron ore is not exported from Karwar, Belekeri, and Old Mangalore Ports during June to September. The government is also not clear regarding the duration of the ban. The CM has given a statement that it will be in force till steps are taken to check illegal mining. Moreover, the ban does not affect those who export ore from Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, and Goa. The mining sector has therefore not been affected because of the ban. Most of the mining barons feel that the ban will not curb illegal mining activities in any way.

Mine owner Anand Singh, who also happens to be a BJP legislator, said that the decision will not only have an adverse effect on the mining sector, but will also lower the state’s revenue. The country has no mechanism to process low-grade iron ore and attempts should be made to provide such as mechanism. He said that he will take up the issue with the party as well as the government and urged the senior leaders to consider this issue too.

Congress leader Abdul Wahab, who is also into the mining business, says that he sees no sense in imposing a ban on iron ore exports. He said that he objects to banning iron ore exports in order to curb illegal mining activities and warned that mine owners will soon resist the move.

Raghavendra Rao, an MSPL media coordinator, said that the ban appears to be a clever strategy to protect those who are involved in illegal mining activities. Those who export natural iron ore and conduct illegal mining activities in unleased areas sell the ore to the country’s steel plants; therefore, they will not be affected by the ban. Moreover, only the central government is authorized to ban exports, he said.