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Mines ministry disagrees with M B Shah Panel suggestion

The Indian mines ministry has disagreed with the Justice MB Shah committee’s suggestion of banning exports of iron ore and manganese ore to check illegal mining, saying that the export of minerals is guided by policy and it has referred the matter to the ministry of commerce.

The ministry of mines, while referring the issue to the department of commerce has differed with the commission view and said exports cannot be held as the reason for illegal mining, rather it is lack of governance at state government levels which has largely contributed to illegal mining.

Ministry of mines, however, in its action taken report on recommendations has differed from commission suggestion. It said that "The ministry is of the view that a ban on export of iron ore may not be feasible adding exports are guided by Export Import Policy under ministry of commerce.

Justice M B Shah Commission of enquiry, which went into illegal mining of iron ore and manganese ore, has advocated ban on export.