KIOCL’s diversification, CSR efforts lauded by minister

MANGALURU: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan virtually inaugurated the barrel type blender reclaimer of 1000 tons per hour capacity, installed by KIOCL as part of modernization of 3.5 MTPA capacity Pellet Plant at Panambur here on Tuesday. The total cost of the project Rs.17.50 crore.


The Barrel type Blender Reclaimers homogeneously blends different types of iron ore fines received from various sources by its forward and backward movement, thereby helping in increasing the operational flexibility. This facilitates Pellet Plant to use different types of iron ores, enhance productivity, flexibility in operations and achieve the manufacture of good quality pellets.

The Union Minister also lauded KIOCL’s efforts in fighting the pandemic by trying to mitigate the shortage of beds in Government Hospitals. KIOCL had distributed 100 beds for taking care of Covid patients for two government hospitals in Dakshina Kannada District at Belthangady and Moodbidri. The company spent around Rs. 18 lakh for providing the beds. He complimented the country’s steel industry for being at the forefront to meet the challenge when there was unprecedented demand for medical oxygen in the country.

Admiring KIOCL entering the field of solar energy for setting up a 5.0 MWac (6.5 MWp) Mw Solar Power plant in Tumkuru district of Karnataka, he said this proposed project would support the National Solar Mission programme of the government and expressed that the experience to diversify and expand KIOCL’s operation will create job opportunities and boost the economy. The cost of the plant is Rs 24.44 crore.

Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, Deputy Chief Minister, Karnataka Government, MP and State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shri NirmalanandananathaMaha Swami of Adichunchunagiri Mutt appreciated KIOCL for various welfare measures taken for the community and employment generation.

Subba Rao, CMD, KIOCL, said support from Governments would help the Company demonstrate its core competency in mining and pelletization in the country.