India's Largest Greenfield Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh
The project proposal by AM/NS India for setting up a significant greenfield steel plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, has received environmental clearance and land allocation.
Project Details
- Capacity: Initial 8.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) with plans to expand up to 24 MTPA.
- Investment: Initial investment of ₹80,000 crore, rising to over ₹1.5 lakh crore for the expansion phase.
- Land: 2,200 acres allocated for the initial phase, with an additional request for 3,300 acres for expansion.
Partnership and Resources
- Partnership: AM/NS is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.
- Iron Ore Supply: Secured from Bailadila mines, Chhattisgarh, using a slurry pipeline.
Government Support and Approvals
- The Andhra Pradesh government has been praised for its prompt allocation of land and supportive actions in acquiring necessary permits.
- The entire approval process, including land identification, allotment, public hearings, and environmental clearance, was completed in a remarkable 14 months.
Environmental and Industrial Impact
- Negotiations with NMDC have resolved objections to the slurry pipeline, reducing pollution by eliminating truck movement and dust from loading/unloading.
- The land is free from typical challenges like wildlife, forests, rivers, or tribal populations, facilitating smoother project execution.
The project represents a significant step in India's industrial capacity and showcases efficient collaboration between industrial ventures and governmental support.