Mittal unhappy over Jharkhand steel project

Bhubaneswar, Jul 07 (UNI) Expressing dissatisfaction over the tardy progress of steel plant project in Jharkhand, Mittal Steel Chairman Lakshmi Niwas Mittal today proposed to have a similar steel plant project in Orissa.

Mr Mittal, who airdashed from London to Bhubaneswar with his son and a team of officials to meet Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced his intention to set up a 12 million tonne steel plant in Orissa.

The Mittal Steel Company had signed a MoU with the Jharkhand government last year to set up a 12 million tonne steel plant with an estimated investment of Rs 40,000 crores. The progress of the proposed plant was not visible during the last one year.

Mr Mittal said although he had received cooperation from the Jharkhand government but he was not very satisfied with the progress of the plant. The Company had sought a letter of comfort from the Jharkhand government to identify the iron ore mines.

Immediately after holding discussion with the Chief Minister, the Industry Minister, the Mines Minister and the Chief Secretary, Mr Mittal disclosed that the Arcelor-Mittal would like to set up a 12 million tonne steel plant in Orissa with a possible investment of Rs 30,000 to Rs.40,000 crores.

On being asked about the Jharkhand steel project, Mr Mittal said he was not happy with the progress.

''We are weighing our option and we will go wherever we proceed first. If the things move first here we will take up the Orissa project first,''he remarked.

UNI DP SP AB 1541