Mineral Policy Issues in theContext of Export and Domestic Use of Iron Ore in India

This study examines the utilization of iron ore in India. It takes into account thesignificant reserves of iron ore in India and allays fears that the country's steel industrywill run out of iron ore resources if exports continue at the current level. On the contrary,it says that exports are necessary to maintain a structural balance in the market betweenproduction and consumption of lumps and fines as nearly 80 of exported ores are fineswhich are not adequately used in India. This study also highlights the specific problemsof the Goa/Radi region. It examines the bilateral agreements with countries like Japanand Korea as well.The study says that the size of mineral resources is a dynamic concept and depends onexploratory efforts, which have not been enough in India due to lack of investments. Itrecommends on the basis of international experience that increased investment in themineral sector, especially in exploration, will lead to new reserves and resources.