According to NorthStandard P&I Club, approximately 15-25 million tonnes of iron ore are expected to be shipped between October 2024 and May 2025.
As the Club reminds, in late 2012 the Indian Government banned mining activity as well as the export of Iron Ore Fines from Goa. The iron ore fines earmarked for shipment have been stockpiled for several years, exposing them to the elements. These large static stockpiles pose a challenge for accurate sampling and testing due to their size and exposure history, NorthStandard informs.
Current procedures for sampling and testing stockpiles taller than 3 meters are not officially approved by competent authorities. Given these concerns, stakeholders are advised to exercise caution. It is recommended to appoint local surveyors well in advance to oversee sampling before loading begins.
NorthStandard advices that these surveyors should monitor the condition of the cargo throughout loading to prevent the shipment of high-risk material. Once loaded onto barges, discharging and further testing become difficult, making pre-loading precautions crucial.