New Delhi, 23rd June, 2023: Hon’ble Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the new Beneficiation Plant virtually at Dalli Mines of SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant on June 23, 2023. This Beneficiation Plant has been set up for silica reduction from iron ore of size less than 1mm containing high silica gangue. Equipped with state-of-the-art beneficiation equipment, the plant aims to enhance the quality of iron ore supplied to Bhilai Steel Plant, thereby increasing the annual production of hot metal from the blast furnaces, reducing coke consumption, and lowering carbon emissions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Scindia, while applauding SAIL's efforts in this first-of-its-kind technological initiative, highlighted the significant strides the domestic steel industry has taken over the last nine years. He noted the unprecedented growth in steel production and per capita consumption, as India has emerged as the second-largest steel producer in the world.
Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister, the Steel Ministry is focused on promoting decarbonization in the domestic steel industry and formulating a long-term roadmap for green steel production in collaboration with industry stakeholders. SAIL aligns itself with the national goal of carbon neutrality, and the Beneficiation Plant at Dalli-Rajhara Mines is a significant step in this direction. Further, this plant is part of SAIL’s endeavor to utilize low-grade iron ore through beneficiation.
The quality of iron ore reserves in the 60-year-old mines of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant's Dalli and Rajhara group have depleted and a study revealed the need to beneficiate iron ore of size less than 1 mm to achieve the desired grade for effective usage in the blast furnaces. This Beneficiation Plant, set-up with an investment of around Rs 149 Crore, is aligned with the existing Crushing, Screening and Washing (CSW) wet plant at Dalli. The project has been completed with the help of various state Govt. agencies, local administration and elected representatives.
Chairman, SAIL, Shri Amarendu Prakash, who was present during the program said that “This beneficiation plant for silica reduction is a critical move in SAIL's pursuit of sustainable steel production, actively aligning with the Ministry of Steel's initiatives to decarbonize the Indian steel industry.”
