Bhubaneswar, Jan 17 (IANS) Odisha has continued to stop its iron ore exports from two ports in Andhra Pradesh on concerns over their mechanism to check illegal shipments, an official said Tuesday.

The state stopped issuing permits for ore exports through the Gangavaram and Kakinada ports early last month after they failed to provide their operational details.

“Gangavaram has in the meanwhile given us the required information and we are examining that. But Kakinada has not responded,” state Steel and Mines Secretary Manoj Ahuja told IANS.

Iron ore mined in the state is exported from ports in many states, including Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Odisha has initiated several steps to check illegal mining and export of iron ore from the state after some politicians alleged in July 2009 that some mines were operating without licences.