India aims to increase annual steel production to 300 million tonnes by 2030: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has said that India aims to increase its annual steel production to 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. He noted that India currently produces around 168 million tonnes of steel annually, and stressed that higher production would help make steel affordable for the common man.
On growing steel demand, he said that the growing demand for steel is linked to the aspirations of people across income groups to own a house, with steel being an essential component of construction. He also emphasized that affordable availability of steel and cement is crucial to fulfilling people’s aspirations whether it is a house built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or an individual home. Besides, he highlighted governments efforts to increase iron ore production across the country to ensure adequate raw material availability for the steel industry.
He added that Goa could play an important role in this effort by expanding its mining activities, subject to applicable Supreme Court restrictions. Moreover, he called for the utilisation of old mining dumps in Goa, pointing out that considerable quantities of iron ore could still be extracted from them. He said that the central government will extend all possible assistance to the Goa government to increase mining activities, generate employment and strengthen the state's contribution to the country's mineral and steel sector.
