SAIL starts process for development of Chiria iron ore mines

Indian steel giant Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has started the process for the development of the Chiria iron ore mine in Jharkhand, India, with Hatch Associates of Australia, a consultant of global repute, being appointed to prepare a detailed project execution report.
 
"SAIL has already initiated the process for the development of a 7 million mt per annum capacity mechanized mine with state-of-the-art technology," Minister of State for Steel Shri Beni Prasad Verma said today, March 14.
 
Approval of the mining plan has been obtained, the minister said, adding that the Ministry of Environment and Forests had last week given forest clearance (stage-I) to SAIL for mining iron ore from the Chiria mines with stipulated conditions.
 
"As per conditions stipulated in the stage-I forest clearance, only mining and crushing up to secondary stage will be carried out at the Chiria mines. Balance activities like processing plant, loading plant, township and other infrastructure facilities will be carried out outside the forest area. Construction and development activities would follow after grant of all the statutory clearances," the minister.
 
SAIL expects to commence production at the Chiria iron ore mines by 2012-13.