BY MICHAEL FISHER | NT
PANAJI: The Karnataka government’s ban on transportation of high grade iron ore to Goa has been lifted thus giving relief to the six Goan steel manufacturing units whose production had been seriously affected by the depleting raw material stocks.

The new order, which came into effect from Thursday, is the result of a meeting between the Karnataka Chief Secretary and representatives of the steel making units, who were headed by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) official.
The Karnataka Chief Secretary has directed the Karwar District Collector to take appropriate steps in this matter, said the GCCI vice president, Mr Manguirish N Pai Raikar, who led the Goa team.
When contacted, the general manager of Aparant Iron and Steel Pvt Ltd, Mr V N Singh said, “It is good news but still too early to make any comment. Let us start implementing it.”
A Sesa Goa official wishing anonymity was also of the same view.
The Karwar District Collector had appointed a four-member task force team to visit Goa and to confirm that the high grade ore was being used by the steel units. Accordingly, a report regarding this was submitted by the Karnataka Geology and Mines at the Karwar District Collector’s office confirming the usage of ore for domestic industry purposes only. To this effect, the Karnataka Commissioner issued directions for commencing the ore transportation from Thursday, Mr Raikar said.
It will be mandatory for every truck transporting the ore, to carry the relevant documents along with the permit and an undertaking by the steel manufacturing companies that the material is used only for industrial purpose. The Commissioner’s order was passed in the presence of the steel units’ representatives, Karnataka RTO officials, police and Karnataka Geology and Mines officials.
The six Goan steel manufacturing units are Aparant Iron and Steel Private Limited, Sesa Industries Ltd, Shradha Ispat Pvt Ltd, Ambey Metallic Ltd, Goa Sponge and Power Limited and Shrithik Ispat Limited.