Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040801480300.htm

Back SAIL division clocks higher iron ore output

Our Bureau

Kolkata , April 7

THE Raw Materials Division (RMD) of SAIL, which supplies iron ore to Bokaro, Rourkela and Durgapur steel plants, has increased its production to 12.94 million tonnes in 2004-05 against 12.79 million tonnes in 2003-04.

According to a release issued by RMD, for the current fiscal, the division has set a target of 14.06 million tonnes. In 2004-05, the division registered its best ever production.

The three major mines of Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu and Bolani under the RMD registered their best ever production.

The Orissa-based Barsua iron ore mines produced 1.34 million tonnes and recorded impressive growth of 14.5 per cent over the previous fiscal.

During 2004-05, SAIL did not buy any iron ore from the market. However, in 2003-04, it had to purchase 99,000 tonnes of iron ore.

Several steps are being taken to augment production at the mines, the release said.

The SAIL division has also initiated steps for development of new mines at Taldih and Thakurani.