SAIL plans to add 19-million tonne steel capacity

Mumbai: The Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), the country's largest steel producer, plans to set up an additional 19 million production capacity, including a 12 million tonne greenfield project and a 7 million tonne expansion of its existing plant in Bokaro.

This was announced by the minister for steel, chemicals and fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan while talking to media persons after presenting a cheque for Rs15 lakh to Olympic Gold medallist Abhinav Bindra on behalf of SAIL.

SAIL has already undertaken a Rs11,500 crore expansion programme at Bokaro to augment the plant's capacity to about 7.5 million tonnes from the present 4.5 million tonnes by 2010-11.

''SAIL is now considering to add another 7 million tonnes as it has requisite land and other resources at its disposal,'' Paswan said.

He said SAIL also proposed to set up a 12 million-tonne greenfield steel project in Jharkhand, subject to getting necessary resources, including iron ore and land.

The Jharkhand government had given an in-principle decision on renewing Chiria Mines leases by October, Paswan said, adding, SAIL would withdraw the legal suits against the state administration after the leases are approved in its favour.

SAIL has announced plans to endorse Bindra as its brand ambassador, the minister said, adding it plans to spend more on promoting sports in the country. He said SAIL will set up world class sports facilities in Jharkhand where it will set up the 12 million tonne greenfield plant.