Steel ministry to launch `steel technology mission’

The union ministry of steel proposes to launch a Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) to undertake collaborative research in the steel sector, as part of the 'Make in India-Made in India' initiative.

Announcing this at a meeting with senior officials of the steel ministry officials on Monday, union minister of steel, mines, labour and employment Narendra Singh Tomar said he has given in-principle approval for setting up the SRTMI.

SRTMI, which has been recommended by a high level task force set up by the ministry of steel, is conceptualised on the lines of the technology missions in other sectors like jute and textiles.

The task force had recommended that SRTMI be formed as a registered society in close cooperation amongst the steel companies, ministry of steel, academia and relevant institutions in the country.

It has also proposed that SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, JSPL, Essar Steel, RINL, NMDC and MECON will be the initial participating companies who will sign MoU besides the ministry of steel.

SRTMI will be governed by a governing board of CEOs of steel and associated companies, domain experts of national and international repute, and one nominee from the ministry of steel, with an `oversight committee' under the chairmanship of secretary (steel) to periodically assess the functioning and performance of SRTMI.

It will carry out R&D in priority areas of national importance covering best usage of available raw materials and conservation of natural resources, optimum energy conservation and minimum emissions, leading to innovations and in-house development of design, engineering and manufacturing facilities of key steel plant equipment.

Investment in research and development in the steel sector must increase from the present level of 0.2-0.3 per cent of turnover to international benchmark of 1-2  per cent of turnover by the leading companies, the minister added.