The miners' body FIMI has requested that the export duty on bauxite be removed, claiming that doing so will result in better utilisation of low-grade mineral resources by hastening the reopening of closed bauxite mines, creating jobs, and earning foreign exchange. Because bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium, it is a critical raw material for aluminium producers.
According to FIMI, the 15 per cent export duty on bauxite is harmful to Indian non-metallurgical bauxite producers and exporters.
In its pre-Budget proposals to the finance ministry, the federation thus requested the complete removal of export duties on bauxite exports. It asserted that India is not only self-sufficient in meeting its needs, but also has enormous potential to become a major international player.
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