India's share in global iron ore trade increased significantly in the international market

摘要

India has large and high quality deposits of several minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, chromite, manganese, coal, limestone, kaolin and lead concentrate, most of which are concentrated in its eastern region. The three states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa account for 70 percent of the country's coal reserves, 55 percent of its iron ore and 60 percent of its bauxite reserves. However, these are grossly underexploited as is depicted by their low SDP's - 60-80 percent of India's average - and slow growth rates - 1-2.5 percent lower than the average for India, according to a report by McKinsey published recently. India's minerals and metals sector demonstrated stable growth during the 1990's. Domestic demand for key metals was robust and demand for steel grew at a healthy rate of 7 percent per annum and aluminium at 4 percent per annum. This growth has further accelerated over the last three-four years. Demand growth for steel has surged to 8 percent per annum and is showing further upward movement. Similarly, aluminium demand growth has jumped significantly to 10 percent per annum.