The suspension of iron ore exports from Goa and Karnataka is the key reason for the steep decline in overall exports of the mineral, which are expected to fall below 10 million tonne by the end of 2014-15, says a report by Standard Chartered research. The report also says that mining activity in Goa is likely to resume only after 18-24 months, even if the ban on mining is lifted. “Even though the Justice Shah Commission report is not public yet, we believe Odisha faces the risk of additional restrictions on mining. In addition, there are issues on bauxite mining in Odisha — Vedanta Aluminium’s proposed bauxite mine is in an ecologically sensitive area and Hindalco’s mine is facing minor disruptions,” the report titled “India Ferrous” said. While the Supreme Court has allowed resumption of mining in Karnataka for category A and B mines, it has suspended exports. The apex court banned mining and exports of iron ore from Goa in October 2012, which is the major contributor to national exports, it said. Goa used to clock exports accounting for around 70% of the country's iron ore production. But it has not produced or exported any ore since the SC imposed a ban to curb illegal mining. Before the ban, Sesa Goa used to be the largest iron ore mining firm in the private sector, producing about 14 million tonne from the state.