India will launch a 10 million mt iron ore project

It was recently reported that Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, India, is expected to launch a series of strategically significant projects in the Gadchiroli region.

The key projects to be commissioned include:

1. A 5 million mt annual capacity iron ore beneficiation plant (Hedri): Located in Hedri village, Gadchiroli district, the plant was invested in and constructed by Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL), with a planned annual processing capacity of 5 million mt of low-grade . The project commenced construction in 2023, with a pilot beneficiation facility (5 mt/hour capacity) completed in 2024, which has successfully produced iron ore concentrates with over 66% iron grade. Currently, the main part of the project and equipment installation are underway, with phased commissioning expected between 2026 and 2028. An 85-km-long iron ore slurry pipeline with an annual transportation capacity of 10 million mt: The pipeline, located in Hedri village and invested in by LMEL, will transport iron ore slurry from the Hedri beneficiation plant to the downstream Konsari industrial area, marking Maharashtra's first operational iron ore slurry pipeline.

2. Vidarbha's first integrated crude steel plant with a planned annual capacity of 4.5 million mt, invested in and constructed by LMEL in the Konsari industrial area.

The Gadchiroli region boasts over 1 billion mt of iron ore resources, making it one of Maharashtra's most important iron ore production areas. These projects will facilitate efficient transformation of iron ore resources, enhance local value addition, and potentially foster the development of a regional steel industry chain.