(a) whether the Union Government proposes to take steps for the development of the Sponge Iron Industry;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the methods to improve the quality of such products; and
(c) the steps taken to explore national and international markets for sponge iron products?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL
(DR. AKHILESH DAS)
(a) The Union Government has no specific proposal for development of sponge iron industry. However, Government has
formulated a National Steel Policy under which sponge iron industry finds an important role. National Steel Policy
envisages sponge iron production to 30 million tonne per annum by the year 2020 from the current level of about 13
million tonne per annum.
(b) Sponge iron like steel is completely deregulated industry. Therefore, initiative on quality improvement of the
product rests with the entrepreneurs.
(c) Sponge iron products have a strong national market where these are used in melting furnaces for further value
addition. Since the sector is deregulated, the sponge iron producers are free to explore national and international
market for their products.