KOLLAM: The attempts to close down KMML has brought great concern to thousands of labourers and their families. Due to the mining ban, the raw material Ilmenite cannot be produced. There were allegations that N.K. Premachandran’s intervention to import Ilmenite was to promote mafias and foreign corporates. This could affect the mineral industries in Kerala. Those behind this have the agenda to scam crores of rupees as commission when the govt imports raw materials like titanium dioxide from abroad. KMML usually resorts to import during times of crisis.

If Ilmenite is imported, it won’t result in a loss. It would only have an impact on the profit. However, if Ilmenite is not imported at the same time when the mining is banned, the production of titanium dioxide will be effected. This will result in a loss for KMML. People behind fake campaigns hide such facts. KMML after achieving profits since 1993, is now at loss.