In a major push to bolster India’s steel-making capacity and reduce reliance on imports, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 22 laid the foundation stone for a massive integrated steel project in Gadchiroli, being developed by Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL). The project is expected to transform the mineral-rich district into a global steel hub, leveraging its exceptionally high-grade iron ore reserves with iron content of up to 67 per cent.
Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis said the initiative is not just about industrial expansion but also a strategic move to position India as a serious competitor to China in the global steel trade. “With some of the finest quality iron ore in the world found in Gadchiroli, this region has the potential to outcompete Chinese steel by offering superior raw material quality and strengthening domestic self-reliance,” he stated.
The ₹40,000 crore project includes a 4.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) pellet plant, a 5 MTPA grinding unit, and a 10 MTPA slurry pipeline. Once operational, the steel complex is projected to generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. Fadnavis further noted that the initiative could push Gadchiroli into the top 10 districts in terms of per capita income within five years.
The plant is part of the central government’s larger push towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in critical sectors, including infrastructure and core manufacturing. Industry experts believe the combination of local ore beneficiation and value-added processing within India will make Indian steel more globally competitive.
