New silica reduction plant launched at SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant

Indian Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, recently launched a groundbreaking Silica Reduction Plant at the Steel Authority of India Limited‘s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant’s Dalli Mines.

The move is a significant stride towards enhancing India‘s steel production capacity, marking a notable contribution to the country’s steel industry’s prowess.

The inaugural ceremony saw the presence of several top brass officials, including Union Minister of State for Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste, Secretary, Ministry of Steel Nagendra Nath Sinha, and Chairman of SAIL ‎ Amarendu Prakash.

The Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, India is well on its way to achieve the National Steel Policy’s goal of 300 MT crude steel production by 2030. Notably, India became the world’s 2nd largest steel producer in 2018 and has also emerged as the largest producer of sponge iron globally.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates silica reduction plant at SAIL’s Bhilai steel plant. Photo courtesy of Press Information Bureau.

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia further highlighted the government’s rapid work on infrastructure, leading to increased steel consumption and making India a net exporter of Steel from being a net importer nine years ago. He also underlined SAIL’s pivotal role in this journey. Notably, the inaugurated plant is the only steel plant worldwide capable of producing the world’s longest single rail of 130 meters.

The Bhilai Plant, heavily dependent on Dalli-Rajhara Iron Ore Mines for its feedstock, has been facing issues due to high silica content in the remaining reserves. The inauguration of the Silica Reduction Plant will enhance the quality of iron ore fines and reduce silica content. SAIL’s expansion plan aims to increase its capacity from 19.5 MT to 35.24 MT over the next 7-8 years, with an investment of about ₹1.1 lakh crore.

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia lauded the potential of the steel sector to create jobs and stimulate business growth, affirming its role in the nation’s comprehensive development.