5 states want ban on mineral exports

Orissa, along with other mineral-rich states, Jharkhand, Chhatishgarh, Rajsthan and Karnataka will demand the phasing out of exports of valuable minerals in general and iron ore in particular.

"We will discuss the matter with the prime minister, Manmohan Singh during the discussion with him regarding our apprehension about the implementation of the proposed national mineral policy (NMP)", chief minister Naveen Patnaik told the media persons here.

"We will convince him about the value addition of minerals within the country rather than exporting these resources", he added.

The chief minister said, Orissa will seek more assistance for additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions and related expenditure to counter the Naxal and the Maoist menace.

Besides, he will impress upon the Union government for providing more financial support to Naxal affected states for accelerating the socio-economic development of the scheduled areas during his discussion with the Union home minister Shivraj Patil.