Key Takeaways from All-India Steel Conclave 2.0: Evolution of Raw Material Requirements by 2030 - Iron Ore

• Iron ore block auctions in Chhattisgarh to start soon
  
  
• NMDC building 15-mnt slurry line to Nagarnar plant
  
  

The All India Steel Conclave 2.0, held on January 10-11, 2025, under the aegis of the Chhattisgarh Steel Re-rollers Association, with BigMint as its Knowledge and Marketing Partner, provided a platform for key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of raw material requirements for India's steel industry. The session on "Evolution of Raw Material Requirement by 2030: Iron Ore" shed light on upcoming opportunities, challenges, and strategies for growth in the sector.

Iron ore auction in Chhattisgarh

The much-awaited iron ore mine block auctions in Chhattisgarh are set to be scheduled soon, said Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Ex-Additional Secretary, Ministry of Steel, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh. He acknowledged that while some blocks face litigation, the state government is committed to resolving these issues in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and industry stakeholders.

"With these efforts, I am confident that iron ore production in the state will significantly boost Chhattisgarh's output," he added.

NMDC's vision for growth

Mr. Joydeep Dasgupta, Director-Production, NMDC Limited, outlined NMDC's ambitious journey from producing 45 million tonnes (mnt) of iron ore to achieving 100 mnt.

Key projects:

• A 15-mnt slurry pipeline is under construction to supply ore to the Nagarnar Steel Plant.
  
  
• Doubling of the KK railway line is underway to enhance logistics efficiency.
  
  
• 45 mnt of production growth will focus on Karnataka, while the rest will contribute to rural development in iron ore-rich regions.
  
  
• Mr. Dasgupta emphasized that NMDC's plans are aligned with market demand and logistics enhancements, ensuring that its growth trajectory supports the broader industry.
  
  

"Economics and market demand will drive our expansion. We see ourselves as a critical partner for industry growth," he said.

Lloyds Metals' expansion plans

Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd. is poised to enhance its total excavation capacity to 55 mnt, including 45 mnt of beneficiable grade ore (BHQ).

• Pending approvals: According to Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director of Lloyds Metals, the company is awaiting environmental clearances to facilitate this expansion.
  
  
• Timeline: Approvals are expected by the end of the financial year, enabling the company to achieve 25 mnt of production in the initial phase.
  
  

"Once approvals are secured, we are confident of scaling up our operations to meet the industry's demands," Mr. Gupta noted.

Strategic insights

The session emphasised the importance of resolving regulatory hurdles, enhancing logistics, and aligning production capacities with evolving market demands. These efforts are crucial to ensuring a steady supply of iron ore, a cornerstone for India's rapidly expanding steel sector.

The discussions underscored the collaborative efforts needed between government bodies, private players, and logistics providers to drive the next phase of growth in India's iron ore industry.