KOLKATA: Domestic steelmakers JSW SteelBSE -0.42 % and Kalyani SteelsBSE 1.31 % have sought reopening of iron-ore mines in Karnataka to tide over the raw material shortage faced by the industry. The two companies say they are forced to operate their plants at 70% and 30% capacity respectively.

"We are facing shortage of ore despite the Supreme Court order on reopening of Karnataka mines. Only five mines are operating in the state," Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director of JSW Steel said.