Delhi: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), India’s largest manufacturer of steel, and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), the country’s single-largest iron ore producer, today signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the limestone mine at Arki in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.
The MoU for the 50:50 joint venture was signed in the presence of Virbhadra Singh – union steel minister, A. Sai Prathap – MOS for steel, by Atul Chaturvedi – steel secretary, SK Roongta -SAIL chairman and Rana Som – CMD of NMDC, an government spokesman stated.
The Arki mine has deposits of about 100 million tonnes (MT) of quality limestone. The SAIL-NMDC joint venture will develop the mine to produce 3 MT of limestone per annum (I MT lumps and 2 MT fines).
While the low-silica limestone lumps will be used by SAIL and NMDC as flux for steel making, the fines would be sold in the market. The cement industry has a huge demand for limestone fines.
SAIL presently does not have any captive source of low-silica limestone and meets its entire requirement of this vital input from the market. With proposed expansion of SAIL’s production capacity in the next few years, its requirement of low-silica limestone is slated to go up to 3 MT.
Development of the Arki limestone mine will be another significant step in SAIL’s long-term security of vital raw materials. On its part, NMDC will gain an assured buyer for its product. The JV will also enhance the opportunity to catalyse growth of local industry and peripheral development.
There is not much awareness in Himachal Government, NGOs, Limestone Industry or the Workers’ Unions to ask for already working Welfare Activities of Central Govt’s Ministry of Labour and Employment where they open Ayurvedic Dispensaries (Where about 500-1000 limestone mine workers live) and Allopathy dispensaries (where there are more than 5000 limestone workers). I have written to Sh Rawat, Union M/State for labour, Labour Deptt of Himachal and Many Ayurvedic Doctors of Himachal that they all must try to get this absolutely free service by Govt of India. If MY HIMACHAL is capable enough to create awareness, Himachal will benefit. Every dispensary also works as Labour Welfare Centre of Central Govt where about 35 welfare schemes- absolutely free for Limestone Mine Workers, are conducted. There is scope of Ayurveda Dispensaries. There are only 21 dispensaries so far in India under Min of Labour & Empl. All you need is constant pressure and perusal. Jaago Ab To. Dr Rajesh Choda 09413120726