Tata Steel's plant gets public approval

Company to invest Rs 185 crore on expansion and new sinter plant

Tata Steel has cleared the hurdle at ground level for its bid to expand capacity of its ferro-manganese plant at Joda from 0.05 million tonne per annum (mtpa) to 0.06 mtpa, establishment of a new silico manganese plant of 0.06 mtpa and sinter plant of 0.05 mtpa at the same location. The steel firm has committed an investment of Rs 185.58 crore on these projects.

The public hearing for expansion and the new ventures was held on last Wednesday and witnessed turnout of more than 5,000 people.

“The public hearing was held successfully. Most people present at the hearing were in favour of the expansion proposed by Tata Steel,” said Sangram Keshari Swain, additional collector, Keonjhar.

The expansion needs no additional land. Tata Steel would utilise the 47.13 acres land within its existing ferro alloys plant at Joda in Keonjhar district. The proposed expansion would be carried out on 13.73 acres. The steel maker hopes to complete expansion of its ferro manganese plant in a period of six and a half months.

The silico manganese plant is targeted for commissioning within 24 months of receipt of environment clearance from the Union ministry of environment & forests (MoEF). Similarly, Tata Steel aims to put on stream the sinter plant in a span of 16 months from obtaining environment clearance from MoEF.

Labourers for industrial activities in skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled categories would be drawn locally or from nearby places. During recruitment, preference would be given to people in surrounding areas depending on their qualification and experience.

Apart from direct employment, indirect employment opportunity in terms of transport operation, repair garages, various ancillaries and shops and markets would be generated.