THE MINISTER OF STEEL(SHRI BENI PRASAD VERMA)
(a)&(b): Steel is a deregulated sector.Private steel companies take decisions in
respect of investment in foreign countries as per their business plans/ ambitions
in accordance with RBI Guidelines etc. Ministry of Steel, however, does not
maintain data on this. As far as Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under
the Ministry of Steel are concerned no such investments have been made so far.
(c)&(d): Yes, Madam. A global tender was floated by Ministry of Mines, Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan for development of Hajigak iron ore deposit having estimated
reserve of 1.77 billion tonne in Bamiyan Province.
A consortium comprising Indian companies’ viz. Steel Authority of India
Limited (SAIL – Lead Member), NMDC Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL),
Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), JSW, JSW Ispat and Monnet Ispat & Energy
submitted its bid on 04/9/2011.
In the bid submitted by SAIL led consortium, it has been proposed to develop
the Hajigak Iron–ore deposits, setting up of a steel plant subject to coking coal
linkages by Government of Afghanistan and development of infrastructure like rail,
road, power plant etc.
This consortium has been awarded three Blocks with estimated iron ore reserves
of 1288.75 MT and further negotiations are to take place soon.
This is purely a commercial decision, taken by the CPSEs and the private sector
companies concerned as per their business ambitions and mutual interests. Ministry of
Steel is not averse to this development.
