New Mangalore port resumes iron ore exports on Apex court nod

With the Supreme Court giving its nod for the export of iron ore accumulated at major ports, around 27,000 tonnes of iron ore has been loaded for export to China from the New Mangalore port.

Another 72,000 tonnes of iron ore is likely to be exported from the New Mangalore port during this week.

On February 11, the Supreme Court allowed the export of iron ore that has accumulated at major ports.

Around 2.3 lakh tonnes of iron ore cargo were lying at the New Mangalore port following a ban on the export of iron ore from Karnataka by the State Government in July 2010.

Karnataka ban

The State Government had banned the export to curb illegal mining and the export in the State.

Sources in the shipping circle told Business Line that all the documents of the shippers have been duly scrutinised by the Mines and Geology Department, and they have given clearance for their shipment.

As of now, Sesa Goa and MEL (Mineral Enterprises Ltd) have got permission to export their accumulated cargo at the port.

To China from Sesa Goa

The vessel m.v. Qiang Sheng- I, which berthed on March 18, sailed to China with 27,000 tonnes of iron ore cargo belonging to Sesa Goa, they said.

Another vessel is likely to call at the port this week to carry around 72,000 tonnes of iron ore cargo belonging to MEL, they added.

Iron ore traffic

It may be mentioned here that the port handled 8.38 lakh tonnes of iron ore till July 2010 when a ban was imposed by the Karnataka Government.

Around 2.3 lakh tonnes of iron ore was lying at the port then.

The New Mangalore port handled 5.20 million tonnes of iron ore during 2009-10 as against 8.12 million tonnes in 2008-09.

COMMENT NOW