Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 20: Union minister for steel Ram Chandra Prasad Singh on Sunday February 20 laid the foundation stone for coke oven capacity of 1,80,000 TPA (tonnes per annum) at the blast furnace unit of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), Panambur here.
Addressing the gathering, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said, "KIOCL has a good record in the field of mining beneficiation and pelletisation. KIOCL also planned to diversify its business activities. Though mining has been stopped it does not mean that there are no other options. When you are faced with an adverse situation, look for better options and opportunities. If you have perseverance and vision then you are likely to succeed."
Speaking on national steel policy, the union minister said, "We have set a target of producing 300 million tonnes of crude steel in India by year 2030. KIOCL has an important role to play in achieving this target. KIOCL has expertise in pelletisation, and it has the advantage of being situated near a port.
"I have been told that they are facing some problems regarding berthing and other things. KIOCL has got a mining lease in Devadari. Even now they have captive mines. Now they are importing from Odisha or from other countries," he added.
He also said that officials should put cent percent effort to improve their efficiency. "You are in a competitive world and you cannot be complacent. You have to be always on guard, vigilant as well as optimistic. Whatever you want to do, you will achieve it by your vision, mission, and determination."
Later, the minister paid a visit to New Mangalore Port. The minister took a ride on a tugboat inside the port and oversaw berths and other infrastructural facilities provided by the port. Sources said that the minister will hold a meeting with port management, officials of KIOCL and JSW and review the handling facilities for iron ore mines/ raw materials import and export of the iron pellets of KIOCL.
KIOCL president and administrative director Swaminathan, steel ministry joint secretary T Shrinivas and others were present at the event.