Jaipur: The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has disrupted global trade routes and affected the marble and mining industry in Rajasthan, with imports, exports and mining operations facing uncertainty as international shipping routes became unstable.Industry representatives said the breakdown of supply chains halted the import of marble blocks from Turkey and Oman. They said exports to Gulf and African markets slowed considerably due to heightened tension along maritime routes, particularly around the Red Sea.According to trade estimates, only in Udaipur, the disruption inflicted a monthly loss of nearly Rs 250-300 crore on the region’s mineral sector. Production in several marble processing units and associated mines also slowed, with industry bodies estimating losses of over Rs 10 crore per day.“Shipping routes have become uncertain and traders are reluctant to accept new export orders. Containers that were meant for overseas markets are either delayed or stuck in transit. If the conflict continues, the impact on the industry could deepen in the coming weeks,” said Shankar Singh Kadila a mine owner_.Another industry representative said the ripple effects extended beyond marble to other minerals linked to the ceramics and tile sector.“The closure or slowdown of tile manufacturing units has reduced demand for minerals such as feldspar and soapstone. As a result, mining operations are slowing and the sector is losing more than Rs10 crore daily,” said Miland Agarwal another mine ownerTrade data from Sukher market indicated nearly 15,000 tonnes of marble blocks worth about Rs 100 crore were imported every month from Turkey and Oman, but that flow came to a standstill. Meanwhile, 25-30 export containers meant for Gulf and African destinations were reportedly stuck due to shipping uncertainties.“Rising global oil prices and higher marine insurance premiums have further aggravated the situation, pushing mining costs up by nearly 10%.” said Rasheed khan , a stake holderThe crisis also intensified due to developments in Morbi, India’s ceramic and tile hub. “With production there slowing, demand for feldspar and soapstone from mines has dropped sharply,.” said a stakeholder.
