ANS: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and its subsidiary, Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), have taken a significant step towards self-sufficiency and strengthening domestic steel production by entering into a Mines Developer cum Operator (MDO) agreement.
The agreement, signed with a Joint Venture (JV) company comprising M/s Power Mech Projects Ltd. of Hyderabad and M/s P.C. Patel Infra Pvt. Ltd. of Vadodara, is focused on the development and operation of SAIL’s Colliery Division’s Tasra Open Cast Project.
This landmark agreement spans a considerable 28-year duration and is aimed at achieving an annual coal production target of 04 million tonnes. A crucial facet of this endeavour involves the construction of a state-of-the-art coal washery equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring the supply of clean coal to meet the demands of Steel Authority of India Limited.
The Tasra Open Cast Project holds paramount importance for both SAIL and the appointed MDO. This strategic partnership is a significant stride towards realizing India’s goal of self-sufficiency and will serve as a vital source of domestic coking coal essential for steel manufacturing.
The contract signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Atanu Bhowmik, Director-in-charge of Rourkela Steel Plant, who also holds an additional charge for Bokaro Steel Plant. Senior officials representing various divisions, including the Collieries Division, Projects Division, and the Centre for Engineering and Technology (S.E.T.) Ranchi, were in attendance. The signing event also witnessed the participation of delegates from M/s Power Mech Projects Ltd., Hyderabad, and M/s P.C. Patel Infra Pvt. Ltd., Vadodara.
In his remarks, Bhowmik lauded SAIL’s diligent efforts in finalizing this agreement and underscored that the project’s implementation would be intricately aligned with SAIL’s forthcoming expansion plans and the surrounding region of Tasra.
The project is expected to serve as a transformative catalyst, fostering social development in the area, and paving the way for a brighter future.