<article><p class="lead">India's state-controlled KIOCL restarted its 3.5mn t/yr iron ore pellet plant in Mangalore on 24 November following the withdrawal of export duties on pellets last week.</p><p>The producer had <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2338767">suspended its Mangalore operations on 7 June</a> after the government imposed a <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2334026">45pc duty on iron ore pellet exports</a> on 22 May to safeguard domestic supplies and help curb inflation. </p><p>The firm had briefly restarted its operations on 12 August but had <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2363976">shut operations soon after</a> on 23 August. </p><p>The Indian government <a href="https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2392833">removed export duties on steel products and iron ore on 19 November</a>, saying it was necessary in the public interest to do so.</p><p>While the ferrous industry has hailed the government's decision, the revival in pellet exports will take a while because of a weak Chinese economy and subdued international steel markets, according to market participants. </p><p>KIOCL produced 2.03mn t of pellets and dispatched 2.07mn t in the 2021-22 fiscal year ending 31 March, of which exports accounted for 98pc.</p><p>The Argus 63pc Fe 3.5pc alumina pellet index month-to-date average is $100.52/t in November, down by 34pc against a year earlier. The 2pc alumina index month-to-date average is $105.69/t, down by 38pc from the previous year.</p><p class="bylines">By Sumita Layek</p></article>
