The world's largest steelmaker Arcelor-Mittal has chosen Torpa and Kamdara blocks in Khunti and Gumla districts of Jharkhand as its sites for the proposed 12-MT greenfield steel project in the state. "Now that they have selected sites, they might go for acquisition of land on their own or can approach the state government," Jharkhand Industry secretary K K Khandelwal said here.
Chief Minister Madhu Koda has on several occasions said any private sector company could approach on their own to acquire land. The sites are close to two rivers - Karo and Koel- to meet water demand for the project and also has rail links.
Chief Minister Madhu Koda has on several occasions said any private sector company could approach on their own to acquire land. The sites are close to two rivers - Karo and Koel- to meet water demand for the project and also has rail links.
The steel giant, which reportedly applied for four mines, including Karampada and Ghatkuri in Jharkhand, requested the state government the necessary support and permission for developing the infrastructure in the areas. The government has already assured all help to the Arcelor-Mittal, whose high-level team had visited Ranchi on November 15. The group had on October 8, 2005 signed an MoU with the state government to set up a mining and steel-making operation in the state, entailing an investment of approximately Rs 40,000 crore. The company's iron ore requirement is pegged at 600 MT for the first 30 years of operation. The company also has a proposal of a captive power plant of 2500 MW. The Central government has already allotted the steel major steam coal at Jharkhand's Sereghara block.
Source: The Hindu
26th January, 2008