Issues related to policy matters on iron-ore sourcing were affecting the implementation of JSW's proposed 10-million tonne steel plant at Salboni in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal, Mr Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Steel, said on Monday.
JSW has sought the State Government's help to secure iron-ore linkages and other necessary clearances in this regard. The matter is likely to be taken up with the Centre.
“We are all putting our best foot forward. There are still a few policy matters that need to be taken up and the Chief Minister and Industry Minister (of West Bengal) have just confirmed that they will take it up with the Centre,” Mr Jindal told reporters. He, however, added that the company expects to start implementing the project “soon”.
Mr Jindal was speaking on the sidelines of a business-to-business summit, Bengal Leads 2012, organised by the West Bengal Government to attract investment in the State. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to get iron-ore from different states,” he said.
He, however, said that there were some private mining companies which were looking to supply iron-ore to JSW's steel plant.
On bank loan availability being an issue until sourcing of iron-ore is finalised, Mr Jindal said: “Banks will look at us. If we are willing to invest the money, they will back us. I don't think that is an issue.”