Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has commenced work for enhancement of loading facilities at Bolani iron ore mines in Orissa with an investment of around Rs 120 crore.
Following the completion of this expansion project, the loading capacity of the mine will scale up from the existing 3.9 million ton per annum (mtpa) to 10 mtpa.
The raw materials division of the company has initiated work for the first part of the scheme covering main loading facilities which includes installation of reclaimer, stacker, 15 new conveyors and a new stacking yard.
With SAIL targeting a production of over 26 million tonnes of steel by 2010-11, the company’s raw material division aims to churn out 30 million tonnes of iron ore by 2011-12 to meet the enhanced requirement of the steel plants in the eastern region.
In order to meet the bigger target, a slew of projects have been taken up to develop the existing mines, improve mining operations and also to strengthen infrastructure.
The long-term plans include expansion of Chiria mines in Jharkhand and development of new mines at Taldih (Orissa).
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While production in Chiria mines is to be scaled up to 50 mtpa in phases that of Taldih may go up to 4.25 mtpa including a 2 million ton pellet plant.
Apart from expansion of Chiria and Taldih mines, development of south block at Kiriburu iron ore mine and central block at Meghahatuburu iron ore mine in Jharkhand is underway.
The development of existing mines will raise the capacity of Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Bolani, Barsua, and Gua mines to 5.5mtpa, 6.5mtpa, 10mtpa, 3.5mtpa, and 10 mtpa respectively in the coming years.
This apart, a scheme for beneficiation of iron ore and slime is also in the offing.