India

India's Supreme Court Lifts Iron Ore Mining Ban

A recent article in the Times of India reported that on Monday 21 April, India's Supreme Court lifted a ban on iron ore mining in the western state of Goa, but has limited extraction to 20m tonnes a year. All 90 iron ore mines in Goa were shut down in 2012 after a government lead investigation into their operation and its impact on the environment. The ban in Goa followed a similar move in the Southern state of Karnataka in 2011.

Some analysts believe that the lifting of the ban may help trigger a gradual recovery in this sector as the restrictions in 2011 - 2014 reduced India's iron ore exports by around 85% (100m tonnes).

Basant Poddar, vice-president of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries has reported that "Fresh mining will start after the monsoon and exports [of iron ore] may start in September."

The court has also asked an expert panel to study the environmental impact of the mining and give its final recommendation on the annual cap on extraction within six months. The six-member panel has one representative each from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) and the department of mining besides an ecologist, a geologist, a mineralogist and an expert on forestation.

Members should consider the precautions that should be taken when loading ore cargoes. Information and general guidance on this topic can be found in the Loss Prevention section of the Club's website.

Loss Prevention Briefing - Iron Ore Fines

Loss Prevention Briefing - Liquefaction

Loss Prevention Hot Spots - Liquefaction

Loss Prevention Poster - Ore Cargo Types

Club Circular - Safe Shipment of Iron Ore Fines from Indian Ports