India set to resume exports of Iron Ore Fines.Late 2012 the Indian Government banned mining activity as well as the export of Iron Ore Fines from Goa. In 2024, they are set to resume exports of this cargo with an estimated 15-25 million tonnes of the cargo set for shipment between October 2024 and May 2025.When are the shipments to resume?It is reported that shipments will begin after the current southwest monsoon season. The monsoon season runs from late May to mid-September and brings with it extensive rainfall in particular for the west coast of India, on an average 100 inches/year. As such it is estimated that shipment could begin early October 2024.Be AwareThe cargo intended for shipment is already stockpiled and has been so for a considerable about of time. Correspondent eDot Solutions inform NorthStandard that these stockpiles are very large and have been exposed to the elements for years now.The large size of the stockpile makes representative sampling of the static piles for testing virtually impossible and therefore there are concerns that any test results will not be accurate enough to assess for safe shipping. NorthStandard have also been made aware that currently there is no competent authority approved sampling or testing procedures available for stationary stockpiles having a height of more than 3 metres.What does this mean?Members should be very cautious, and it is recommended that local surveyors are appointed in good time to allow them to attend the stockpile before load and witness the sampling taking place. The surveyors should assist throughout loading monitoring the cargo condition to ensure there is no high-risk cargo presented for shipment.Any indications that high-risk cargo is being loaded, cargo operations should be stopped and further testing by the shipper required. It should be noted that cargo is usually loaded by barge and therefore discharging any cargo after load is difficult.For more information on the carriage of Group A cargoes please check here:Bulk Cargo Liquefaction and Dynamic SeparationBulk Cargoes: A Guide to Good PracticeWith thanks to eDot Solutions for their assistance