JSW Steel Ltd.

JSW Steel, the country's third-largest steelmaker, is likely to raise production at Karnataka plant after the Supreme Court partially lifted an iron ore mining ban imposed in a key region of the state. It now plans to operate its plants in south India at about 80% capacity. Last week after the court had imposed an interim ban on mining in Bellary, from where it sources most of its ore requirement for the 10-million tonne plant, the company had cut production at its Karnataka plant by 30-35%.

The company needs 18 million tonnes of iron ore to operate the plants in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at full capacity i.e., 11 million tonne per annum. JSW Steel plans to operate its plants at present at around 80% capacity; with an expectation of further relief in the availability of ore from the Supreme Court to enhance the capacity utilization beyond 80%.