State govts yet to respond on ore exploration proposal: NMDC

Hyderabad: State-owned National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC) Thursday said despite its willingness to explore iron ore for free of cost in various states, many governments are yet to respond to the call.

N K Nanda, Director (Technical) NMDC said as much as 25 billion tonnes of iron ore resources have been identified in country with most of it still untapped.

"India has 25 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves. Last year, NMDC had announced that it would undertake exploration work for free of cost in different states. If the states governments give us blocks to explore," Nanda said.

"Only the Government of Jharkhand has come forward and given us blocks to explore. But none of the other states have come forward," he added.

He said, NMDC had sometime ago entered into an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation for exploration work. However, this is yet to begin, he added.

Nanda was speaking at a two-day International Conference and exhibition on Iron Ore Mining and Steel Industry organised by Ore Team, a steel and steel-making commodities research house.

NMDC Ltd in September formed a Joint Venture Company with Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (JSMDC) by the name of Jharkhand National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (JNMDC).

The JV is set to develop a 115-hectare iron ore mine in West Singhbum district in Jharkhand.

Nanda further said the miner has a tie-up with Indian Railways to double the railway-line from Kirandul to Jagdalpur which would facilitate the transport iron ore from its mine in Bailadila.

PTI