The steel secretary agreed that iron ore prices have appreciated but it was due to some mines turning inoperative. : Realising the importance of iron ore and coking coal to the competitiveness of steel making, the Union steel ministry said it wants to be consulted on all decisions concerning the two commodities. The steel ministry though has turned down any possibility of direct control of the two key ingredients. All decisions relating to coking coal and iron ore fall under the purview of the Mines ministry.