The Karnataka Iron and Steel Manufacturers’ Association (KISMA) on Tuesday urged the State government to expedite the resumption of operations at all ‘A’ category mines, so that the steel industry gets adequate supply of iron ore.

Addressing reporters, KISMA president Vinod Nowal, who is also the CEO of JSW Steel, said the steel industry had been facing a severe shortage of iron ore in the State. Against the total annual requirement of about 35 million tonnes (mt), the industry has been getting 15 mt, he said.