<p>Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, Mines Minister B.K. Handique said export of iron ore was necessary as piling up of the ore might cause environmental hazards. <br />"It is necessary to export iron ore, we lack the technical knowledge to use all of it," Handique said. <br /><br />Out of a total annual production of 218 million tonnes, 117 million tonnes of iron ore are exported, he said. <br /><br />The minister's statement assumes significance as Karnataka recently put a ban on export of iron ore from the state, citing illegal mining. <br /><br />About the rights of the tribals living in the mineral rich areas, the minister said the government is framing a new legislation under which they will be given 26 percent of the profits earned from the mines. <br /><br />"We will take suitable measures to ensure the the tribals get their rights," he said. <br /></p>
<p>Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, Mines Minister B.K. Handique said export of iron ore was necessary as piling up of the ore might cause environmental hazards. <br />"It is necessary to export iron ore, we lack the technical knowledge to use all of it," Handique said. <br /><br />Out of a total annual production of 218 million tonnes, 117 million tonnes of iron ore are exported, he said. <br /><br />The minister's statement assumes significance as Karnataka recently put a ban on export of iron ore from the state, citing illegal mining. <br /><br />About the rights of the tribals living in the mineral rich areas, the minister said the government is framing a new legislation under which they will be given 26 percent of the profits earned from the mines. <br /><br />"We will take suitable measures to ensure the the tribals get their rights," he said. <br /></p>