Iron ore export through Paradip slumps 38 percent in August

Kolkata : Iron ore fines export though Paradip port declined sharply in August due to lower production, higher prices, and transporters’ strike. A total of 752,323 tonne of iron ore was exported from Paradip in August, down from 1,218,043 tonne shipped in the same month last year.

“Lower raw material production was the major reason for decline in August exports. Many large mining firms stopped production in July-August period as they did not have necessary clearances. Some other firms, who have raising licences did not have export permit, “said Sujit Dey, general manager with export firm, Cargo Resourcing and Exports Private Ltd.

Orissa, the largest iron ore producing state in the country, has around 200 iron ore mines, of which more than half have shut operations after the state began a crackdown on illegal mining in 2009 on violation of mineral extraction and environmental laws.