ArcelorMittal India (AMIPL), the holding company of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), has started mining operations at Thakurani iron ore mine in Keonjhar district of Odisha.
The Thakurani block, with estimated reserves of around 179 million tonne, is expected to make a significant contribution to the company’s long-term raw material requirements.
The block has annual production capacity of 5.5 million tonne, which can be ramped up to eight million tonne, while its mineral reserves are expected to increase once detailed exploration is complete.
AMIPL, which subsequently inked a Mine Development and Production agreement, and executed a lease deed with the state government, has since acquired all valid rights, approvals, clearances and licenses.
In February 2020, AMIPL was selected preferred bidder for the iron ore mine license following an auction process conducted by the state government, in which AMIPL agreed to pay 107.55 percent premium per tonne, along with other royalty and duties.