Iron ore exports double in five years

Iron ore exports from India had more than doubled in the last five years and at the current rate of consumption, the ore reserves would last till 2030, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

"The Indian Bureau of Mines has estimated total iron ore resources of 25.25 billion tonnes in India with domestic consumption growing at about one and a half times," Minister of State for Steel Akhilesh Das said in a written reply.

On being asked whether the government was taking necessary steps to ensure Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) gets possession of Chiria and Rowghat mines, he said SAIL had got possession of three blocks in Chiria, while three others were under litigation and the ministry was trying to settle the matter amicably.