Vedanta Limited has put forth plans to establish an Iron Ore Mineral Beneficiation Plant in Megalahalli Village, Chitradurga District. This strategic initiative aims to add value to extracted iron ore through a beneficiation process, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. The cost of the project estimated to be around Rs 225 crores.
Project Objectives of Vedanta Iron Ore Mineral Beneficiation Plant
The primary goal of the proposed project is to optimize the extraction and processing of iron ore sourced from the designated mining site. Through a mineral beneficiation process, Vedanta Limited seeks to elevate the purity and quality of iron ore, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications, particularly in steel production. Employing advanced beneficiation techniques, the project aims to enhance overall resource utilization efficiency and minimize waste generation, aligning with principles of responsible mining practices.
The project area is conveniently connected to Chitradurga, located approximately 18 kilometers away by road. The nearest railway siding, MMEC railway siding, is situated just 2.5 kilometers from the proposed Beneficiation Plant, facilitating efficient transportation.
Need for an Iron Ore Mineral Beneficiation Plant
Various steel plants are setting up in Chitradurga and Bellary districts, leading to a substantial increase in the demand for iron ore in the region. These plants, with a combined annual capacity exceeding 25 million tons of steel, necessitate 40 million tons of iron ore. However, most mining leases in this sector are currently closed for various reasons, resulting in a significant production and consumption gap. The beneficiation plant can partially address this additional demand by delivering 11,25,000 tons of iron ore annually. Utilizing the latest beneficiation technologies, the plant can consistently produce high-quality iron ore to meet the needs of consumers.
Highlighting the necessity and importance of the project for both the country and the region, several key factors come into play:
- Increase in Iron Ore Grade: The beneficiation project is set to elevate the iron ore grade, thereby enhancing its market value and usability.
- Extension of Mine Reserves: By increasing the efficiency of iron ore extraction, the project contributes to extending the reserves and life of the mine, ensuring sustained resource availability.
- Reduction of Impurities for Efficient Steel Production: The process of reducing alumina and other impurities in iron ore not only improves the efficiency of steel production but also helps curtail the overall production cost of steel.
- Direct Utilization in Industrial Processes: The beneficiated iron ore lumps resulting from the project can be directly utilized for sponge iron and blast furnaces, while iron ore fines can find applications in sinter plants and pelletization plants.
Vedanta Limited’s proposed Iron Ore Mineral Beneficiation Plant stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to responsible resource utilization and economic development, aiming to create a positive impact on both local and national scales.
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