Barytes supply problems

摘要

There are continuing reports of supply problems connected with barytes from both India and China. In India, ore from Mangampet in the Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh is in short supply because of a legal battle that is being pursued by holders of private sub leases for this deposit. The cancelling of these sub leases by the government means that they will revert to APMDC (Andhra Pradesh Mining Development Corp.). The action is being strongly contested by the lease holders and, although most of the sub leases were cancelled, a stay was granted by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh which effectively will allow mining to continue until the end of this year. Although APMDC remains in possession of sizeable deposits, experienced producers are hoping to continue producing and exporting in the future. In the meantime, the mines that were being operated have been subject to flooding and, because of the uncertainty over the future of the sub leases, most companies are not prepared to undertake any pumping until the future is guaranteed. Consequently much quality production is being lost. Certain companies are reported to be working the sub leases as swiftly as possible to extract whatever barytes they can, which is resulting .in poorly planned working with no regard to phased production or barytes quality. These mine owners are reportedly selling through trading houses which have no infrastructure at the mines for quality control.