JOIN USState bans export of iron ore
According to the government order, export ban of iron ore has been imposed on Karwar, Belikere, Tadadi, Honnawar, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Malpe, Hangarkatte, Old Mangalore and Padubidre ports.
“As all 10 minor ports come under the State government jurisdiction, my government has taken the decision of banning of export,” Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa told newsmen here.
The ban was imposed under the Indian Port Act 1908 and Karnataka Ports (Landing and Shipping Fees) Act 1961 (Karnataka Act 20 of 1961), said the government statement.
However, the ban will not be applicable to the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) as it comes under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Shipping. The NMPT is the major hub for export of iron ore from the State.
Yeddyurappa said he would write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps to stop export of iron ore from NMPT as well as ports from neighbouring states immediately. Earlier, the State government had imposed a ban on export of iron ore from Karwar and Belekeri ports following the seizure of the missing 5 lakh tonne iron ore.
The chief minister said the ban would continue till the government has a firm hand in curbing illegal mining activities. The chief minister, during the National Development Council meeting held here on Saturday, had urged the Centre to impose a blanket ban on export of iron ore from the country. Yeddyurappa also talked of involvement of “mafia activities of corporate-political groups” in mining across the country.