NMDC takes a big leap into value-addition projects in Bellary

NMDC takes a big leap into value-addition projects in Bellary

By Shivakumar G Malagi



Bellary, Dec 6: The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Limited, the public sector mining major in the country is taking a big leap into value-addition projects in this ore-rich district when other private mining giants have stumbled by the shockwaves of global meltdown.

NMDC that has high grade, 65+ Fe iron ore mines in Donimalai, Kumaraswamy hill and Ramdurg of Sandur mining belt is all set to venture into value addition projects including a 5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) steel plant and nation's first banded hematite quartzite (BHQ) demonstration pilot plant here.

The company which produces around 6.98 million tonnes per annum from Bellary sector is set go for modernized and scientific exploration of mines with setting up of pelletisation plant with slime beneficiation facilities to achieve `zero-waste management'.

NMDC, Donimalai authorities said techno economic feasibility report for installation this plant has been done by major mining consultant; M N Dastur Company Ltd and land is also earmarked.

"Besides, nations first BHQ demonstration pilot plant will come up in Donimalai sector by next one year, where we could extract iron even from the mining dust and that would certainly come to help other mining firms in region to increase the capacity of production and waste-management", said Subimal Bhose, general manager, NMDC, Donimalai.

After these projects, he said, NMDC will go for 5-mtpa steel plant plan in Bellary region. While, the company sources said it is already into the venture of 3 mtpa steel plant in Chattisgarh.

District in charge minister Gali Janardhana Reddy said " NMDC has submitted a proposal for 5 mtpa steel plant in region to state government and is under the consideration".

He said, government is firm to make region, which already boasts three major steel and more than 50 sponge iron factories into a Steel-Hub with international standards by setting up Vijayanagara Area Development Authority that is already approved in the Cabinet.