Chhattisgarh CM calls on Beni Prasad Verma

New Delhi, Dec 1 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh called on Union Minister of Steel Beni Prasad Verma here today, and informed him that supply of iron ore to the steel industry in the state has been severely affected due to stoppage of ore supply from Orissa.

During the meeting, he requested the Steel Minister for increase in the amount of ore supplied by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).

Raman Singh suggested that Rashtriya Ispaat Nigam Limited (RINL) form a Joint Venture (JV) with Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) for development of iron ore mines in the State.

He said that currently about 2.5 - 2.7 million tonnes of iron ore is supplied by NMDC to steel industries based in Chhattisgarh, and requested the minister to increase this to about five million tones per year.

Beni Prasad Verma instructed officials to find ways to increase the production of NMDC mines in Chhattisgarh and increase supply of iron ore to Chhattisgarh based units.

He also discussed issues related to smooth functioning of Rowghat Mines to which Raman Singh assured that action has already been taken.

The Steel Secretary, P.K. Misra, indicated that NMDC's Kirandul 11-B deposit in Chhattisgarh is likely to start production from March 2012, after which the supply position would improve.

Misra also underlined that RINL has applied for mines in Chhattisgarh. In case requisite mines are allotted to them, then the iron ore presently being supplied by NMDC to RINL can be made available to Chhattisgarh based steel units. (ANI)