Mining industry seeks export duty waiver on non-metallurgical grade bauxite

Non-plant grade bauxite isn't used in aluminium smelters that go for higher grades. With little demand in the domestic market, miners of non-plant grade bauxite usually take recourse to exports

Mining lobby body, the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (Fimi), has pitched for exemption of the existing 15 per cent duty on exports of non-metallurgical grade bauxite.

Non-plant grade bauxite does not find applications in aluminium smelters that consume higher grade material. With no demand to absorb in the domestic market, the miners of non-plant grade bauxite usually take recourse to exports.

But since 2015-16, exports of the baser grade bauxite have been on a downhill. From 8.91 million tonnes (mt) in 2015-16. export volumes has slumped to 1.40 mt at the end of 2018-19.

“With a view to have optimum utilization of