State-run mining major NMDC on Monday announced it has commissioned a Rs 5,427-crore integrated iron ore processing, slurry pipeline and pellet-making project in Chhattisgarh, as the company looks to expand its presence across the iron ore value chain.
The project comprises three components: a new iron ore processing plant at Bacheli, a 15 million tonne per annum (MTPA) slurry pipeline, and a 2 MTPA pellet plant at Nagarnar, according to a Steel Ministry press release cited by reports.
A 135-km link across Bastar
The centrepiece is a 135-kilometre slurry pipeline that will carry processed iron ore concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar. The pipeline passes through 61 villages across the Bastar and Dantewada districts and is expected to provide an alternative to road transport while reducing NMDC's dependence on railways for moving processed ore.
The newly commissioned facilities will allow NMDC to process iron ore fines and slimes from its Bailadila mines into concentrate, which will subsequently be converted into pellets using Straight Grate Induration technology for use in steelmaking. The commissioning adds a value-added product to NMDC's portfolio and extends its operations across mining, beneficiation, slurry transportation and pellet production.
'Red-letter day' for NMDC
Chairman and managing director Amitava Mukherjee called the commissioning a proud day for the company, describing a difficult execution spanning the processing facilities, the slurry pipeline and the pellet plant. Reports said Mukherjee monitored the first production run remotely from NMDC's Hyderabad headquarters because of adverse weather at the site.
The project is part of NMDC's broader expansion strategy as the company works towards increasing its iron ore production capacity to 100 million tonnes in the long term.
Market reaction was muted: NMDC's stock fell about 1.66 per cent to Rs 78.24 in afternoon trade on Monday, with sellers outnumbering buyers, according to the Hindu BusinessLine.
Sources:
NMDC commissions Rs 5,427 cr integrated iron ore project in Chhattisgarh (Business Standard)
NMDC commissions Rs 5,427 crore iron ore processing complex in Chhattisgarh; stock slides 2% (The Hindu BusinessLine)
The project comprises three components: a new iron ore processing plant at Bacheli, a 15 million tonne per annum (MTPA) slurry pipeline, and a 2 MTPA pellet plant at Nagarnar, according to a Steel Ministry press release cited by reports.
A 135-km link across Bastar
The centrepiece is a 135-kilometre slurry pipeline that will carry processed iron ore concentrate from Bacheli to Nagarnar. The pipeline passes through 61 villages across the Bastar and Dantewada districts and is expected to provide an alternative to road transport while reducing NMDC's dependence on railways for moving processed ore.
The newly commissioned facilities will allow NMDC to process iron ore fines and slimes from its Bailadila mines into concentrate, which will subsequently be converted into pellets using Straight Grate Induration technology for use in steelmaking. The commissioning adds a value-added product to NMDC's portfolio and extends its operations across mining, beneficiation, slurry transportation and pellet production.
'Red-letter day' for NMDC
Chairman and managing director Amitava Mukherjee called the commissioning a proud day for the company, describing a difficult execution spanning the processing facilities, the slurry pipeline and the pellet plant. Reports said Mukherjee monitored the first production run remotely from NMDC's Hyderabad headquarters because of adverse weather at the site.
The project is part of NMDC's broader expansion strategy as the company works towards increasing its iron ore production capacity to 100 million tonnes in the long term.
Market reaction was muted: NMDC's stock fell about 1.66 per cent to Rs 78.24 in afternoon trade on Monday, with sellers outnumbering buyers, according to the Hindu BusinessLine.
Sources:
NMDC commissions Rs 5,427 cr integrated iron ore project in Chhattisgarh (Business Standard)
NMDC commissions Rs 5,427 crore iron ore processing complex in Chhattisgarh; stock slides 2% (The Hindu BusinessLine)
