Iron ore production in the country has increased by nearly 26 per cent in the six-month period between April and September this year to 84 million tonne, from 66.5 million tonnes in the same period the previous year.

According to Balvinder Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, there has also been a significant decrease in iron ore imports. In the first five months of this fiscal (April to August), iron ore import was at 1.59 million tonnes, significantly lower than in the same period last year.

“Iron ore production has increased. There has been an increase in exports and a sharp decline in imports; so that is an indication,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the International Mining and Machinery Exhibition and Global Mining Summit 2016 on Wednesday.

Limestone production has also increased, indicating positive trends.

In 2015-16, there was a 9 per cent growth in the minerals and mining sector. It is expected to remain at similar levels this fiscal.

However, Kumar maintains this to be “a positive sign” as 2009 onwards there had been a continuous negative growth.

Mining B blocks

Around 60-65 different mineral-bearing mining blocks have been identified for auction, he said.

Out of this, around 40-50 mining blocks, including 15 ‘C’ category mines in Karnataka, are expected to soon come up for auction. An auction of 17 mining blocks with minerals worth ₹70,000 crore has already been carried out.

Surveillance mechanism

The government is also working on a satellite-based surveillance mechanism to prevent incidence of illegal mining.

“Any theft in a mining area can be reported through a mobile app which would send reports to authorities concerned,” Kumar said.

The Centre has also asked State governments to deploy similar technology for minor mineral mines.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has also decided to conduct an impact study on the downstream Aluminum sector.

State-owned consultant firm Mecon will carry out the study and submit its report in a month.

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