PANAJI | Jun 23, 2015: Even as the mining sector in the state awaits resumption in activity after nearly a three-year hiatus, it is likely to face another predicament as Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has appointed a consultant to study diversification of activities at its berth no. 9 and others.
The spacious berth no. 9 is synonymous with iron ore handling for the state's exports for decades. The feasibility study to be conducted by Tata Consultancy Services will find out if ore handling can be discontinued to pave the way for diversification to other activities. MPT has a total eleven berths which are used for coal handling, cruise ships, iron ore handling, liquid cargo and general cargo.
Speaking to TOI, MPT chairman Cyril George said that the feasibility study is aimed at finding out whether to continue with the existing system or diversification should be done at port. The study will be completed within three months.
George said that feasibility study will not be restricted to only berth no. 9 but will also look at berth no. 8 and mooring dolphin. He also said that there is a proposal for setting up a dry port at MPT. Berth no. 9 was commissioned in 1979 for mechanized iron ore handling. In the 60s berth no. 6 was used for iron ore handling. MPT chairman said that a master plan has been prepared and accordingly a feasibility study is being conducted.
Before the mining ban came into force, most of the ore was handled at the mechanical ore handling plant at berth no. 9.
Ore was picked up from barges by grabs and dropped into hoppers, and from the hoppers on to conveyor belts. The ore was then dumped in open plots marked for the respective shippers. Once the vessel anchored at berth no. 9, reclaimers were used to transfer the ore on to conveyor belts, and the export cargo was loaded in the ship hatches through mechanized ship loading arms.
Mining companies have raised objections to MPT's move as they will not have a dedicated berth for iron ore handling. Sources said the mining companies raised the issue with the MPT chairman.
Sources also said that MPT has asked the mining companies to handle iron ore at mooring dolphin or through transhippers.
When asked about the objection raised by the mining companies in the state, George said that there is no objection from the mining companies as there would be enough facilities available for handling iron ore.
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)