Production of iron ore in India could reach 210 million metric tonnes (mt) by March 2019, the highest levels in March 2020, according to the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries. However, the threat of shortfalls is hanging over the industry as leases on up to 288 iron-ore, manganese, bauxite and limestone mines expire in almost a decade. Steel firms fear state governments will be slow to begin the lease auction process, leading to disruption of iron ore supplies. Nevertheless, imports of iron ore rose to 10 million mt between April and November 2018, despite rising domestic production.
Production of iron ore in India could reach 210 million metric tonnes (mt) by March 2019, the highest levels in almost a decade, according to the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries. However, the threat of shortfalls is hanging over the industry as leases on up to 288 iron-ore, manganese, bauxite and limestone mines expire in March 2020. Steel firms fear state governments will be slow to begin the lease auction process, leading to disruption of iron ore supplies. Nevertheless, imports of iron ore rose to 10 million mt between April and November 2018, despite rising domestic production.