Saturday, August 28, 2010

Ban on transport of iron ore from Karnataka to Goa lifted

Owners of six pig iron plants in Goa heaved a sigh of relief as the Karnataka Government on Thursday revoked the ban on transportation of high-grade iron ore to Goa.

Following the ban imposed on May 22, production in these steel manufacturing units was affected owing to depleting raw material stocks, said an official of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) here on Friday.

Nearly 5,000 tonnes of iorn ore was imported by these units from the neighbouring State.

The withdrawal of the ban is the result of a meeting between the Karnataka Chief Secretary and representatives of the steel-making units, represented by a GCCI official.

The Karnataka Chief Secretary has directed the Karwar District Collector to take appropriate steps in this matter.

The Karwar District Collector had appointed a four-member task force to visit Goa and confirm that the high-grade ore was being used by the steel units.

Accordingly, a report was submitted by Karnataka Geology and Mines at the Karwar District Collector's office, confirming the use of ore by domestic industry.

Responding to this report, the Karnataka Commissioner issued directions for commencing ore transportation from Thursday.

Documents essential,

However, it will be mandatory for every truck transporting the ore to carry the relevant documents along with the permit and an undertaking by the steel manufacturing companies that the material will be used only for industrial purposes.

The Commissioner's order was passed in the presence of the steel units' representatives, Karnataka RTO officials, police and Karnataka Geology and Mines officials.

The six Goan steel manufacturing units are Aparant Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, Sesa Industries Ltd, Shradha Ispat Pvt Ltd, Ambey Metallic Ltd, Goa Sponge and Power Ltd and Shrithik Ispat Ltd

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