SAIL says Chiria mines is a must for BSP's expansion

Ranchi, Jan 16 (UNI) The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) today said Chiria mines held key to the company's plan to expand its business.

Chairman S K Rungta after meeting Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda here, told reporters that the expansion of the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSP) could materialise if the much-takled-about Chiria mines be handed over to SAIL.

Mr Rungta's assertion assumed significance in the wake of steel baron L N Mittal's bid for the same for his multi-billion greenfield project in the state for which MOU had been been signed during the erswhile NDA-government, led by Mr Arjun Munda.

Mr Rungta today said the company was planning to increase the production of BSP to 7.5 million ton per annum from the existing 4.5 million ton.

The Chiria mines issue had been pending with Jharhand High Court.

Recently Mr Koda said SAIL should possess only the land required for them and leave the excess to enable other companies to come and invest.

UNI