Rescue mining industry: FIMI
Expressing concern over the iron ore mining indutry in karnataka heading for the doldrums, The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), on Wednesday, made a reality check about how this crisis came about and suggested steps to contain the situation.
Addressing reporters, FIMI (South) Director D V Pichamuthu said that the whole question of illegal mining led the current imbroglio that has cast a dark shadow on the State’s development ambitions. “It is now widely known that the main perpatrators were powerful State ministers who demonstrated their clout to bring down the government whenever they wished,” Pichamuthu said, adding that the Union Minstry of Mines has itself pointed out that the lack of good governance was the root cause of the problem.
Stating that most illegally mined ore was domestically consumed, Pichamuthu said that banning export of the ore on the pretext of curbing illegal mining does not make sense. He said, “The (other) reason for banning exports was that Karnataka would be running out of ore in 15 to 20 years,” adding that this is not founded on facts and the only authentic source for resource figures is the Indian Bureau of Mines.
“FIMI wants to encourage exploration as it helps locate newer bases for resources,” he said. He also spoke for the encouragement of underground mines, which are popular in South Africa, Sweden and China among others. Underground mining, claimed Pichamuthu, can be worked safely, with minimum damage to the environment.
