New Delhi: Iron ore will soon “flow” through a pipeline passing through the state of Odisha.
Yes, you read that correct.
The steel ministry has approved the iron ore pipeline, directly from the mines in Chhattisgarh to an upcoming integrated steel plant of Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel In (AMNS) India, at Anakapalle in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. The pipeline will pass through Odisha.
The approval was granted under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act,1962, which authorises a nominated authority to sanction the right of way across the states the pipeline will traverse.
The process involves crushing iron ore into fine dust and then mixing it with water to create a slurry. The slurry then flows through a pipeline. India’s first iron ore pipeline was commissioned by Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra earlier this year.
This 85-km-long pipeline runs from the mines at Surjagarh to the steel plant at Konsari in the district.
AMNS India’s pipeline will be much longer. This will probably be the country’s first such pipeline to run through several states. The proposed pipeline will create a sustainable and cost efficient logistics corridor, reducing reliance on conventional road and rail transport.
“The project is expected to significantly lower the carbon footprint of industrial logistics and aligns with India’s broader push for green infrastructure. The Centre’s timely clearance reflects its commitment to fast tracking industrial development in Andhra Pradesh and highlights the growing synergy between the state and Union governments in advancing India’s manufacturing capabilities,” an official said.
This approval marks a critical milestone in the rollout of AMNS India’s 17 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant, with 8.2 MTPA capacity planned for the first phase.
The steel plant at Anakapalle will be one of India’s largest greenfield steel plants, featuring advanced technologies for energy efficiency, water recycling and emissions reduction. Environmental clearance for the first phase was received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) last week.
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s minister for HRD, IT, Electronics and RTGS, said: “This milestone is a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s leadership in providing world class infrastructure, speedy clearances, and proactive governance. The AMNS project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost local industry, and strengthen India’s position in the global steel supply chain.”