The Hindu : National : Set deadline to end iron ore export:

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Sunday, Jul 02, 2006

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National

Set deadline to end iron ore export:

Staff Reporter

"We must move away from dependence on exports"

Minister opposes POSCO plan Orissa must diversify into labour-intensive sectors

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh on Saturday urged the Centre to take a decision on stopping iron ore export after 2010.

"We must set a deadline for putting a full stop to exports. We can export steel, but not iron ore," he told a press conference here. Companies, domestic or foreign, should be given support to produce steel within the country.

Mr. Ramesh opposed Korean steel maker POSCO's plans to take ore from India for its overseas mills. "I am not against POSCO setting up a steel plant in the country but it should not be allowed to take away iron ore."

Fifty five per cent of India's exports to China were iron ore. "This is unacceptable. We must move away from our dependence on export of iron ore," he said. A majority of members, cutting across party lines, had in a Parliament discussion favoured a "go slow" approach to iron ore exports.

India's approach of drawing mileage in the international arena by allowing iron ore exports to China and Japan must change. At present, it exported about 45 million tonnes. Problems persisted in view of long-term supply contracts.

On Orissa, Mr. Ramesh said the State must lessen its dependence on export of minerals and diversify into labour-intensive sectors to increase export earnings.

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