Tata Steel's ferro chrome project in South Africa to start

Kolkata, Aug 14 (UNI) Tata Steel's ferro chrome project at Richard's Bay in South Africa is all set to start off soon.

The allocation of land for the project is complete. The ground breaking ceremony is planned during the second half of August, Tata Steel's executive in charge ferro alloys and minerals P Roy told reporters here today.

Commercial production of the project is scheduled to start by October-December 2007, Mr Roy said.

Tata Steel is also looking at mining projects in South Africa.

''We are examining mining opportunities in manganese, coal and chrome,'' Mr Roy said.

The greenfield project would require an investment of USD 120 million.

Environmental clearance for this 135 million tonne capacity project has been already been received from South African government.

Tata Steel is teaming up with Tata Group's holding company in South Africa, Tata Africa, in 90:10 ratio, for the project.

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