ESSAR STEEL commissions 6 MTPA integrated pellet complex in odisha becomes the largest pellet producer in India
- Commissioning of 6 MTPA Pellet plant supported by Iron ore beneficiation facility and 12 MTPA Slurry pipeline completes the integration.
- The complex is designed to process low grade Iron ore fines into Pellets – , an environment – friendly move.
- Reduces carbon foot print.
- Investment in Pellet facility, supported by infrastructure like Slurry pipeline is in tune with Government Policy to encourage movement of Iron Ore Fines through under- ground slurry pipelines to reduce pressure on road/rail infrastructure.
Essar Steel announced the commissioning of an integrated Pellet Complex in State of Odisha comprising of Iron ore beneficiation facility at Dabuna (Keonjhar), 6 MTPA Pellet plant at Paradeep (Jagatsinghpur) and 253 kms long slurry pipe line with 12 MTPA carrying capacity connecting the beneficiation facility and Pellet Plant. Essar has invested around Rs.6000 Crs. in setting up this integrated complex. The beneficiation facility is designed to use low grade iron ore fines. The Slurry pipeline is the most cost effective and fastest mode of transportation that eases significant pressure on rail and road network, with reduced carbon foot print and minimal environmental impact.
With the commissioning of this integrated complex, Essar Steel has become the largest Pellet producer in the country with an annual Pellet production capacity of 14 MTPA – 8 MTPA at Vizag complex and 6 MTPA at Odisha complex.
A further 6 MTPA Pellet plant at Paradeep is scheduled to be commissioned shortly including the corresponding upscaling of the Beneficiation Plant, taking the annual Pellet Production capacity of Odisha Complex to 12 MTPA.
While dedicating the facility to the nation, Chairman of Essar Steel, Mr. Shashi Ruia said, “Essar has always put a lot of emphasis on sustainable development. The way this state of the art complex has been designed puts maximum emphasis on achieving our goals in the State of Odisha. It is a matter of pride that Indian engineers have delivered this challenging project keeping the balance between growth and sustainability.”
Captive Infrastructure
The Odisha Pellet complex is backed by infrastructure that includes a 120 MW power plant by Essar Power and a captive berth at Paradeep Port set up by Essar Ports. The Pellet plant is connected by a 9.5 kms conveyor belt to the fully mechanized berth at Paradeep port owned and operated by Essar Ports. This enables seamless transportation and loading of Pellets from the plant into the ship.
Mr. Firdose Vandrevala, Executive Vice Chairman, Essar Steel India said, “It is our policy to make a meaningful contribution in the development of the State and the Communities we operate in. With the commissioning of this integrated facility, we will be putting this policy into practice. We are committed to a long, sustainable and fruitful partnership for the growth and prosperity of the State.”
Why Odisha
Odisha possesses the largest reserves of iron ore and has been the largest producer of Iron ore in the country. A large part of this production is in the form of fines which can be used in Iron making only after converting into Pellets. Paradeep is endowed with a deep draft all-weather port and is strategically located with access to both eastern and western markets.Essar Steel’s integrated Pellet complex was executed by Essar Projects India Ltd and reflects its expertise in putting up such mega and challenging projects. Odisha has emerged as one of the most investor friendly states for mineral based industries in India. Rajendra Mittal, CEO, Odisha, Essar Steel, said “We are happy that we have commissioned the pellet facility, capable of using low grade iron ore fines to produce value added product, a critical input for iron/steel making. This has been possible only with persistent support and industry friendly policies of government of Odisha. We thank Government of Odisha for the same”.
Essar Steel’s global standing
Essar companies with a Pellet capacity of 27 MTPA shall be amongst the world’s top three Pellet producers once its 7 MTPA Pellet plant in Minnesota USA becomes operational by the second half of next year.
Pellets
Pellets are a critical and reliable raw material for iron making and find usage across all iron making processes including Blast Furnace, Corex and DRI. Iron Ore fines cannot be generally used directly in their physical form and the only way to use the fines is to convert them into Pellets.
About Essar Steel
Essar Steel India is one of India’s leading integrated steel producers with an annual production capability of 10 MTPA. The state-of-the-art facilities comprise iron ore beneficiation, Pellet making, iron making, steel making, and downstream facilities, including a cold rolling mill, a galvanizing and pre-coated facility, a steel-processing facility, an extra-wide plate mill and 3 pipe mills with coating facilities. Essar Steel uses information technology extensively for its operation to ensure consistent quality of its products. It produces over 300 grades of steel conforming to quality standards of international certification agencies like API, ABS, NACE, Lloyd’s Register to name a few. The products cater to the requirements of a wide cross section of industries, many of which are import substitute products. Essar Hypermart, a pioneering initiative of Essar Steel, caters to the requirements of the SME segment, which normally does not have access to mill material directly. Sustainability has been given due importance and the company is on course to becoming a zero-waste company.
