Govt finalises new rate for transportation of iron ore

16 October  2017

The state government on Friday finalised a new rate structure for the transportation of iron ore – Rs 12.50 per tonne per kilometre for first 10 kilometres, Rs 12 per tonne per kilometre for next 20 kilometres and Rs 11.50 per tonne for next 20 kilometres and above.

The government has also decided to reintroduce the umbrella scheme providing financial package to the truck owners, whose vehicles fail to get business during the current mining season.

Under the scheme, which will be in force for one year, maximum benefit is restricted to only two trucks – Rs 8,000 per month for the first truck and Rs 4,000 for the second truck.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar chaired the meeting held at the Secretariat to finalise the transportation rates.

The meeting was attended by director of mines, Goa Mineral Ore Exporter Association members,  representatives of mining companies and truck owners.

Speaking to reporters post-meeting, Sanvordem MLA Deepak Pauskar confirmed that the government has hike transportation rate by Rs 2 per tonne per km as against the earlier rate.

Earlier, the truck owners were paid Rs 10.50 per tonne per kilometre for first 10 kilometers, Rs 10 per tonne for the next 20 kilometres and Rs 9.50 per tonne for further 20 kilometres and above.

There are over 7,000 trucks registered with the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) for ore transportation.

“It is not possible to give business to all. Two-three trucks per family that is the vehicles are registered in different names will be allowed to transport ore,” Pauskar said.

The MGP MLA said that the international ore prices are on decline and also the production is limited to only 20 million tonnes annually. Under such a situation, we have to ensure profit to both-mining firms and truck owners.

“The government will reopen the financial package for those who fail to get business, wherein Rs 8,000 will be given towards first truck,” the MLA informed.

At the meeting, it was also decided that no outside taluka trucks will be allowed to transport ore.

Besides the truck owners agreed to install GPS system for their vehicles, for which they will have to pay Rs 550 per month.

However, the truck owners were divided on the  transportation rate.

While the North Goa Truck Owners Association (NGTOA) accepted the new rate, the South Goa Progressive Truck Owners Association (SGPTA) declined to accept it as well as the financial package and demanded Rs 14 per tonne per km.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Mines and Geology has geared up for new mining season, which is likely to commence in the next 15 days.

“The department has completed all paper work in order to start new mining season in the state” an official said.

Source: Navhind Times