SAIL mines all set to double output

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) will double the production of iron ore from its mines to 38 mtpa in tandem with the Rs 70,000 crore steel making capacity expansion plan for producing more than 23 million tonne of hot metal in a year.The expansion is set to be completed by 2012-13.SAIL stated that its raw materials division was working on capacity enhancement of its existing mines at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Bolani and Gua and the development of new mines at Chiria and Taldih. The steel major has already outlined an investment of Rs 10,264 crore to enhance captive ore production. After expansion, the combined capacity of the existing mines at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu and Bolani will move up from 12.6 mtpa to 22 mtpa. Contracts for most of the packages of these projects have already been awarded and are likely to be completed by 2012-13.