Pelletisation in Indian Context – Need of the Hour

Abstract

As India progresses towards higher level of growth and more emphasis is being given in the development of infrastructure and manufacturing sector, the iron and steel industry is poised for a rapid growth in years to come. The demand for steel is increasing at a rate of 10%. The domestic production capacity is required to be higher than 110Mt/Yr and it is expected to rise up to 150Mt/Yr by the year 2016-17. Alternative iron making processes to produce steel may change the pattern of use of material inputs and cause a significant shift in the share of lumps and agglomerated ore i.e. sinter and pellets. As fines constitute around 50% of total iron ore produced, pelletisation is the need of the hour.