India's infra push driving steel demand, need to focus on value addition: Goa CM Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted India's rapid infrastructure expansion driving massive demand for steel and iron ore, while stressing the need for value addition in the iron ore mining sector.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said India is witnessing an unprecedented phase of infrastructure and industrial expansion, driving massive demand for steel and iron ore, while stressing the need to move towards value addition in the iron ore mining sector.

Addressing the International Iron Ore Conference 2.0 at Arpora in North Goa, Sawant said the platform has emerged as a key forum for policy discussions, market intelligence and industry engagement in the steel and mining sectors.

Bringing together government representatives, mining companies, logistics stakeholders, steel manufacturers and technology experts on a single platform is crucial at a time when India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors are expanding rapidly, he commented.

Sawant also highlighted the growing role of women-led organisations in the traditionally male-dominated sector, calling it ''a reflection of the changing face of India's industrial leadership''.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has prioritised infrastructure development, industrial growth, logistics efficiency and manufacturing excellence, he said.

''Massive investments are being made in highways, railways, ports, airports, metro rail systems, industrial corridors, renewable energy, urban development and defence manufacturing,'' he noted.

Flagship initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, the National Logistics Policy, Dedicated Freight Corridors and the National Steel Policy are aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness and improving supply chain efficiency, the CM said.

India is currently the world's second-largest steel producer and aims to achieve a production capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030, he said, adding that the iron ore sector remains the backbone of industrial growth.

The global mining and steel industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with increasing focus on value addition, beneficiation, sustainability, efficient logistics and environmentally responsible mining, Sawant said.

He pointed out that India has the potential to emerge not only as a global steel manufacturing hub but also as a centre for advanced mineral processing and sustainable mining technologies.

Referring to Goa, he said the state has a long association with iron ore mining, which has historically played a central role in its economy by supporting employment, exports, transportation, port activities and allied industries.

The CM, however, acknowledged that the suspension of mining activities in the past had severely impacted the state's economy, leading to job losses and financial distress for thousands of workers and small businesses.

Since assuming office, his government has worked towards reviving the mining sector in a transparent, legally compliant and environmentally sustainable manner, Sawant said.

The first phase of mining block auctions has been completed, and operations have resumed in around 18 blocks, with an estimated production capacity of nearly 19 million tonnes per annum, he informed.

''This revival has begun restoring economic confidence and industrial activity in the state,'' he said, noting a gradual return of employment opportunities, transportation and port operations.

The chief minister also highlighted the potential of scientifically utilising low-grade iron ore dumps accumulated over decades, calling them both an environmental challenge and an economic opportunity.

He said the government is promoting beneficiation, processing and value addition within the state to maximise economic returns and generate employment.

''India must move towards value addition rather than relying primarily on raw material exports. The future lies in beneficiation, pelletisation, steel manufacturing and downstream industries,'' he stressed.

Processing iron ore within the country would generate higher economic returns, create jobs and strengthen India's manufacturing competitiveness, Sawant added.