Steel Authority of India (SAIL) will invest Rs 5,000 crore to develop the mines in Chiria and start mechanised mining in the next three years to feed its plants in Bokaro, Burnpur, Durgapur and Rourkela. With the potential of producing 30-35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) iron ore for the next 50 years; Over the next 50 years, around 40% of the company's iron ore requirement would be met from Chiria mines.Ajitaburu, Budhaburu and Sukri-Latur leases in the Chiria iron ore mine are crucial for the maharatna firm, particularly for its integrated steel plants in Bokaro, Burnpur, Durgapur and Rourkela.
SAIL recieved the forest clearance to SAIL for mining iron ore from Chiria reserves overturning Forest Advisory Committee's recommendations.SAIL had sought permission for diversion of 595 hectares of land which is 25% of the total Chiria mine area. The permission was sought for a period of 20 years.
The existing mines of the state-owned steel major in the eastern part of the country have almost depleted and thus the Chiria mines would be the sole source of the raw material for these plants.crackcrack
