SAIL to double iron ore production capacity

Steel Authority of India, will increase production from its iron ore mines to 38 million tonnes, in line with the company's Rs 70,000-crore mega expansion plan to produce over 23 million tonnes of hot metal by 2012-13. SAIL currently makes about 13 million tonnes.

The compnay is working on a three pronged strategy that will double output from its captive mines at an investment of over Rs 10,200 crore. First, increasing production from existing mines through de-bottlenecking and deploying high capacity heavy earth moving equipment, then, enhancing the capacity of existing mines at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Bolani and Gua. Finally, SAIL will also develop new mines at Chiria and Taldih.

After expansion, the capacity of Sail's existing mines at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu and Bolani would be 5.5, 6.5, and 10 mt respectively. Gua mines will also be developed to produce 10 mt along with beneficiation and pelletisation facilities.