The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is planning to establish two slurry pipelines from Nagarnar in Bastar district. The plant, which was set up by NMDC Steel (NSL), a demerged entity of the company, is located there. NMDC operates three mechanised iron ore mines, two of which are situated in Dantewada district. The Bailadila project, located in the same district, consists of two iron ore complexes, namely Kirandul and Bacheli. The company intends to supply iron ore from these complexes to the 3 million tonnes per annum steel plant in Nagarnar. To reduce dependence on railways, NMDC is currently working on a 131-km-long slurry pipeline project to transport the iron ore from the Bailadila mines to Nagarnar.
The miner has faced a significant challenge due to the non-availability of rakes. The delay in dispatching the iron ore casts a shadow on production, as the storage capacity is limited due to the mines' location on hilltops. NMDC plans to complete the feasibility study of the two slurry pipelines and execute the projects if they prove viable, after the ongoing work is finished. It is expected that the slurry pipeline project between Bailadila and Nagarnar will be completed by 2025.
Out of the 131-km pipeline, 24 km of pipes have already been laid, and another 24 km have been aligned for laying. Additionally, 24 km of pipes have arrived but have not been aligned, while 24 km of pipes are yet to arrive. The entire system is expected to be ready for use by 2025. Mukherjee also disclosed that the sanction cost of the slurry pipeline is approximately Rs 29 billion and is projected to increase to Rs 35 billion.
The company is also considering the possibility of constructing two more slurry pipelines. One would run from Nagarnar to Vizag, while another pipeline from Nagarnar to Raipur is being evaluated for its economic sustainability.
Currently, NMDC transports iron ore to Vizag by train, while it is transported by road to Raipur, the capital city of the state. Steel manufacturers in Raipur, Bhilai, Bilaspur, Korba, and Raigarh acquire iron ore from NMDC.
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