The Karnataka government today banned issue of permits to transport iron ore and other minerals for exports, saying this is necessary to protect natural resources and check illegal mining and illegal export of minerals.

New Delhi: With foodgrain stocks mounting and good monsoons promising yet another bumper harvest, government has decided to export around 300,000 tonne of wheat and rice to Bangladesh and Nepal through diplomatic channels.

IRON ore miners in Karnataka are adopting a waitand-watch approach over the Karnataka government

The unexpected ban of iron ore exports from Karnataka may tarnish India's image overseas, said Mr Sajjan Jindal, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, JSW Steel, at a press meet here on Tuesday to announce its first quarter results.

The State government will not issue transport permits for export of iron ore from the Karnataka ports from Wednesday, in view of the illegal mining in the State.

Bangalore: Karnataka, a major producer and exporter of iron ore, has banned exports of the raw material from 10 ports, government sources said on Tuesday.

Congress supporters in Bangalore on Sunday after their march to Bellary, over 300 km away, was flagged off

Illegal mining, rags to riches story, political rivalry and unbridled ambition make for an explosive cocktail in this ongoing soap opera in Karnataka. Reports by Shubhadeep Chaudhary from Bangalore

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday said the State Government will impose a total ban on export of iron ore from Karnataka ports till the Lokayukta inquiry into illegal mining is completed.

The chief minister, here to attend the National Development Council (NDC) meeting, told newsmen that the State Government would issue an order in this regard in a couple of days.

Amid sounds of bugles, beating of drums and slogan chanting

Centre to take up iron ore export curbs issue soon.

Iron ore, the world's second-largest commodity market by value after crude oil, is central to any economy as it forms part of the production process of almost everything that requires steel.

Santanu Sanyal

Kolkata, July 21