Bhubaneswar : Tata Steel Mining Limited (TSML), formerly known as TS Alloys Ltd., has commenced operations at its Saruabil & Kamarda Chromite Mines, now also called the Twin Mines. In Septemebr, the company had begun mining operations at its Sukinda Chromite mines.
The three chromite mines of Tata Steel Mining Limited in the Jajpur district of Odisha, namely, Sukinda Chromite Mine, Saruabil Chromite Mine and Kamarda Chromite Mine constitute the first set of commercial leases to be converted into mining leases, across India, among leases which expired on March 31, 2020 and were auctioned. The leases have been granted for a period of 50 years.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday to kickstart the mining operations at Sukinda, was attended by M C Thomas, Managing Director, Tata Steel Mining Limited, along with Sushanta Mishra, Senior General Manager (Mining), TSML, and Senior Officials of TSML and Dhanshar Engineering & Co. Pvt. Ltd. (DECO), the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) for the mine.
“Commencing production from the twin mines is another important step for Tata Steel Mining. We are also now ready to supply chrome ore from Sukinda Chromite mine which had started operations on September 21, 2020. As a responsible corporate, Tata Steel Mining is committed to sustainable mining practices and excellence in governance. It has already started working with the host of communities around its areas of operation to contribute in improving the quality of life” M C Thomas, Managing Director, TSML, said.
TSML produces High Carbon Ferrochrome, utilised for making high quality stainless steel, from its 50,000 TPA( Tonnes per annum) plant in the Cuttack District. Tata Steel had acquired 100% stake of the plant from Kolkata based Rawmet Ferrus Industries in 2013. Apart from domestic consumption, TS Alloys exports high carbon Ferrochrome to international clients like POSCO, NIPPON Steel and JFE.
Odisha, which holds 97% of India’s Chrome reserve, is the top Chomite Ore producer of the country. Apart from ferro-alloys producers like Tata and IMFA, state owned OMC sells Chrome Ore to domestic ferro-alloys producers.