Govt considering separate duty structure for Goa iron ore exports

The government is considering implementing a separate duty structure for exports of iron ore from Goa, the country's top exporting state, and will look at raising import duties to stop dumping of steel.

Mining in Goa has been hit hard by a two-year ban and a 30 per cent tax on exports, which has made it even more difficult for companies to sell iron ore to a world market where prices have almost halved in the past year.

"The mines ministry has recommended that a different duty structure be implemented only for Goa because the iron ore mined from the state is of low-grade which Indian steelmakers are not keen on buying," Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said on Thursday.

Tomar also said his ministry was looking at raising import duties to curb dumping of steel into the country, adding that he expected a decision could be reached before the Budget on February 28.

(Reuters)