Iron Ore Mining Area Allotted to VISP/SAIL
The Minister of State for Mines, Steel and Labour and Employment, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that vide Gazette Notification dated 21.10.2011, Ministry of Mines; Government of India (GoI) reserved an area of 140 Ha in NEB Range, Bellary District, Karnataka by specifying the co-ordinates. However, the coordinates furnished and published in the Gazette Notification dated 21.10.2011 was erroneous due to lack of permanent boundary points of the adjoining mining lease at the time of filing the mining lease application. After continuous follow up, re-survey of the area was undertaken and Survey Report was submitted to Director of Mines & Geology, Karnataka on 12.3.2014. Now the proposal for grant of mining lease is pending with Secretary (Mines, Textile & SSI), Govt. of Karnataka for scrutiny.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP) at Bhadravathi, Karnataka, SAIL/VISP had also applied for iron ore mining lease over an extent of 245.20 Ha in Block No. 13/1 of Ramanadurg Area in November, 2013, which is still under consideration of the state Government. At VISP, Bhadravati, SAIL is continually investing for overall growth & improving profitability of the Plant. SAIL has already implemented a 350x350 mm single strand bloom caster with 1,25,000T annual capacity and one 30T Pusher type Reheating Furnace for Primary Mill. However, major future investments at VISP shall be considered after the captive mine becomes operational.
The Minister said that SAIL has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Interested Parties willing to enter into a Joint Venture with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) for manufacture of steel and related products at VISP, Bhadravati, Karnataka. SAIL, intends to induct a Strategic Alliance Partner to form a Joint Venture Company which shall carry on the business relating to manufacture of steel and related products at VISP, Bhadravati. SAIL shall endeavour to ensure that interest of the employees is taken care of in case of formation of a Joint Venture company.
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NSK/NN