Experts warn of more trouble in mining, call for urgent steps

Experts have warned that the mining and quarrying segment is likely to suffer further after a contraction by 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of the fiscal, if the issues plaguing the sector are not resolved immediately.

Mumbai: Experts have warned that the mining and quarrying segment is likely to suffer further after a contraction by 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of the fiscal, if the issues plaguing the sector are not resolved immediately.

While iron ore mining approvals issue can be expedited, coal production could be ramped up to boost not only the mining sector but also to help the investment cycle, they said.

"We are assuming a negative growth figure in the mining sector in the current fiscal. However, we are also watching statements coming out from government regarding restarting mining in some regions, which may turn things towards a positive growth territory," Crisil Chief Economist DK Joshi said.

He also said that the mining sector is a binding constraint to the growth of the economy for now, degrowth of which is also posing a risk to the current account deficit numbers.

GDP growth has slipped to 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year with mining and quarrying witnessing a degrowth of 2.8 per cent during this period.

The mining sector has shown a paltry growth of 0.4 per cent during Q1 of last fiscal.

"Unless approvals are expedited to open iron ore mines in Karnataka along with steps to restart operations in Goa, the sector will contract further," Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (Fimi) vice-president Basant Poddar said.

PTI

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