Pellet makers seek total ban on high grade iron ore exports

Federation of Indian Mineral Industries has been lobbying for a cut in export duty on higher grade iron ore

Flagging concerns on the rising trend in iron ore exports, pellet manufacturers have called for a total ban on exports of high grade iron ore fines from the country in the interest of the local steel industry. They feel high grade iron ore is a scarce resource that needs to be conserved for value addition.

Pellet makers who are forced to operate at depleted capacity, are also pitching for 30 per cent export tax on lower grade fines (iron content of 45 to 58 per cent). The Union government has exempted export duty for low grade iron ore fines (iron