Preparing superior grade raw materials to enhance the viability of Indian sponge iron sector

Abstract

While India continues to be the largest producer of sponge iron globally, the plant availability has been under strain due to inconsistent supply of raw materials like iron ore and non-coking coal, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The paper pleads for the following steps to tackle the situation through policy initiatives and implementation at ground level: (a) Priority allocation of high grade non-coking coal blocks to sponge iron plants, keeping in view that there is potential of generating power also through waste heat gases of sponge iron kilns. (b) Ensuring better grade coal linkages to sponge iron plants in the absence of allocation of Coal Blocks. (c) Putting up state-of-the-art coal washeries to wash mined coal/linkages to prepare coal of right specification for feeding to sponge iron plants. (d) Earmarking rich grade iron ore deposits to cluster of sponge iron plants, and (e) Promoting through right incentives the utilization of low grade iron ore fines on large scale through adequate beneficiation and pelletizing facilities.