Purchase of Corus not to affect SAIL: Steel Secy

Bokaro, Feb 11 (UNI) Union Steel Secretary R.S.Pandey today asserted that the acquisition of Corus group by Tata will not have any adverse impact over the international market of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Talking to reporters here, Mr Pandey said the deal had emboldened the morale of Indian steel plants adding that presently SAIL's production was 13 million tonnes which would increase to 120 million tonnes by 2016.

Refering to the Chiria mines, he said raw materials of the mine were important for Burnpur and Bokaro Steel Plant. Mr Pandey further said the regular consultation with the Jharkhand government for renewal of lease were being done.

Mr Pandey said efforts were also being made to merge Bharat Refractories Limited with SAIL and initiatives were being taken to improve the condition of Hindustan Steel Constructions Limited.

UNI