Loot of minerals from the sponge iron industries and private iron ore mines in Sundargarh district has again come to the fore with the seizure of four ore-laden trucks on December 18. About a week back, the mining officials had seized four iron ore-laden trucks at Kaleiposh.
In December 18 incident, a team of mining officials intercepted the trucks carrying about 40 tonnes of iron ore at the hilly Tensa Ghat. According to sources, the smugglers are now targeting quality iron ore in place of iron ore fines as the former is costlier than the latter.
Koida-based Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) Mihir Senapati said prima facie it appeared to be a theft. Show cause notices were issued to Agrasen Sponge Private Limited (ASPL) at Mandiakudar near Rourkela and Rungta Mines Ltd (RML) in Koida. “Instead of transporting inferior quality iron ore fines measuring upto 10 mm, the four trucks contained ores measuring above 10 mm,” he said. Involvement of unscrupulous officials of the mine cannot be ruled out, Senapati added.
According to sources in RML, about 30 trucks carrying ‘size ores’ (iron ores measuring five mm to 18 mm to be directly used by sponge iron plants) from the company’s Sanindupur mine under Koida mining circle were supposed to leave for delivery. However, except the four trucks, the rest were not sent as the local mine authorities sensed trouble.
The sources said iron ore fines are priced at `2,200 to `2,400 per tonne while the ‘size ore’ costs `6,100 to `6,200 per tonne including royalty and taxes. In such a case, the state exchequer stands to lose about `800 per tonne.
The profit of `2,500 to `3,000 per tonne is equally divided between the industry concerned and unscrupulous mine officials, the sources added.
ASPL took over the ownership of two sponge iron plants in Sundargarh district recently and talks are underway to procure another plant. The company has also hired an operational sponge iron plant in Sambalpur district.
Source: The New Indian Express
- metaljunction »
- Metal News
Metal News & Events
METALJUNCTION PUBLICATIONS
Coal Insights (English) Monthly
Coal Insights is a ready reckoner for anyone associated with coal. This publication is aimed at tracking everything related to coal in India.
India Coal Market Watch(English) Monthly
ICMW is a one-stop source for all news, data and research pertaining to coal demand, consumption, stocks, spot- and long-term prices with respect to the Indian Market.
India Steel Market Watch (English) Monthly
ISMW is a brand new high-end steel market report, covering all aspects of the steel industry in India.
Steel Insights(English) Monthly
Steel Insights delves into various facets of the domestic and global steel industry such as market fundamentals, raw material price trends, price forecasts etc.