PANAJI: Mining activities in the State are set to get underway in about 10 to 15 days from now, lifting the gloom off mines that hadn't received the nod from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). Typically, end of monsoon signals the start of mining season, but this year a large number of mines are still awaiting the green signal from GSPCB to go ahead with the activity.A source from the pollution control board said, "Most iron ore mines will get consent to operate by next week." Once the consent is given, it can start production for the season. However, depressed iron ore prices are casting a shadow over the industry.
Glenn Kalavampara, secretary, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) said, "The market sentiment looks very weak because iron ore prices in international markets are very low. The price of 57 grade ore is $18-$19 per ton, which is a lot lower than what it was last year. Moreover, the requirement for low grade iron ore, which Goa produces, is also very low in the market."
Kalavampara continued, "Last year, the first ore shipment was sent by the end of September. But, this year, no shipment has been sent till date. This shows that the situation is grim with the industry."
Mining companies are already battling with low margins due to weak international market. In such a scenario, it will be very difficult for them to increase the ore transportation rate further.
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FALLING ORE PRICES A
WORRY FOR INDUSTRY
* Market sentiment looks very weak because iron ore prices in international markets are very low
* The price of 57 grade ore is $18-$19 per tonne, which is a lot lower than what it was last year
* The requirement for low grade iron ore, which Goa produces, is also very low in the market
* Last year, the first ore shipment was sent by the end of September. But, this year none so far
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QUOTE-ROOM
Last year, the first ore shipment was sent by the end of September. But, this year, no shipment has been sent till date. This shows that the situation is grim with the industry."
- Glenn Kalavampara, GMOEA secretary
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Transportation rates: North Goa truckers
agree to Rs 2/km hike; a big no in S Goa
The meeting of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar with mining companies and truck owners resolved to increase the ore transportation rates by Rs 2 per kilometre per tonne. Mining companies and North Goa truck owners agreed to the increase, while South Goa Truck Owners Association did not agree to the increase in rates.
The revised rates for ore transportation would now be Rs 12.50 per km per tonne for the first 10 kms, Rs 12 per km per tonne for 10-20 kms and Rs 11.50 per km per tonne for 20 kms and above.
The meeting was also attended by Sankhali MLA Pramod Sawant and Sanvordem MLA Deepak Prabhu Pauskar.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Pauskar said that the ore transportation rates fixed currently would be reviewed by March-end.
"Chief Minister has also said that the umbrella scheme to provide relief to truck owners, whose trucks are non-operational, would be restarted and government would pay Rs 8000 per truck for upto two trucks per family", he said.
He also informed that the State Government has fixed the timing for ore transportation from 6 am to 7 pm. However, ore transportation will be carried out during afternoon when schools are left.
"As far as GPS for trucks is concerned, instead of Rs 8000 per year, government has decided to levy monthly charges of Rs 550. Government will not charge for trucks that are non-operational", he stated.
Meanwhile South Goa Truck Owners have not agreed to the increase rates for ore transportation. They have demanded Rs 14 per km per tonne for up to 10 kms.
"We do not want the scheme for non-operational trucks but we want all trucks to be involved in ore transportation," said Cajetan Fernandes.
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REVISED RATES
* Rs 12.50 per km per tonne for the first 10 kms
* Rs 12 per km per tonne for 10-20 kms
* Rs 11.50 per km per tonne for 20 kms and above
UMBRELLA SCHEME
Non-operational trucks to restart. Government to pay Rs 8000 per truck (two trucks max) per family
ABOUT TIMING
From 6 am to 7 pm. Transportation will be carried out during afternoon when schools are shut
GPS CHARGES
Govt to levy monthly charge of Rs 550 instead of Rs 8000 per year. Non-operational trucks spared
