The pellet production at pellet plant unit of KIOCL located in Mangalore has restarted. The company had previously put a halt to its operations in June, 2023. However, it resumed its activities later in August, but shut down again due to challenges.
The temporary suspension has been attributed to a lack of demand in the domestic market and unviability due to high export duties. This highlights the export market for KIOCL's business model and the impact of export duties on its operations.
As an intervention, the Union Steel Ministry has stepped in to seek relief from export duties for KIOCL's iron-ore pellets which are sold in overseas markets. This will help to provide support the domestic steel industry and maintain its competitiveness in the international market.