Jharkhand, Orissa to get Mittal investments

Kolkata, Aug 11 (UNI) Mittal Steel today said it was serious about setting up greenfield projects in both Orissa and Jharkhand.

The company has already shortlisted three probable sites for its 12 million tonne plant in Jharkhand.

''We are seriously pursuing the projects both in Jharkhand and Orissa. We will begin work in the state that fulfils our requirement first,'' Mittal Steel India Chief Executive Officer Sanak Mishra said here.

Out of six probable sites in Jharkhand, the company has shortlisted three sites-- Saraikela, Galudi and Torpa. A final decision on this would be taken in four weeks, he said.

Mishra said the company is assessing the land requirement and roughly about 10,000 acres are needed.

The company is planning to create a green belt and a residential complex around the plant, he said.

Mishra said the company would appoint a consultant for the Orissa project in 10 days. The company is examining 4-5 sites in Orissa at the moment, he said.

He said the company is talking to both the states on sourcing iron ore resources.

Mishra's statement assumes significance as it sets at rest doubts that the company would scrap the Jharkhand project in the wake of its chief L N Mittal announcing plans for an identical 12 MT project in Orissa in July.

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