SAIL-ISP signs Rs 300 crore agreement for new sinter plant
The Statesman | 21 September 2025On Thursday, a significant agreement was signed between ISP, Burnpur, and a consortium comprising Metso India Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, and Outotec, Germany. The contract pertains to the construction of a 2.673 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) Sinter Plant Complex—the first major project sanctioned under ISP’s expansion initiative.
Surjeet Mishra, director-in-charge of ISP and Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP), confirmed that the agreement includes the installation of a 252-square-metre sinter machine, which is expected to be fully operational within 40 months of signing.
SAIL-ISP is advancing its brownfield expansion through the Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace route, aiming to increase crude steel production capacity by 4.08 MTPA. As part of this plan, a new blast furnace with a capacity of 5,650 cubic metres will be installed. To meet approximately 33 per cent of its sinter requirements, the new Sinter Plant Complex (SP-3) will feature a 252-square-metre sinter machine and associated auxiliary facilities, with an annual output capacity of 2.673 million tonnes of gross sinter.
The plant will incorporate Emission Optimised Sintering (EOS) technology, significantly reducing solid fuel consumption and stack emissions. This marks a key step in ISP’s commitment to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and green development.
Separately, Czech firm Hutni has secured the Rs 800 crore contract for the by-product plant project, part of ISP’s coke oven plant initiative.
“We expect between 10,000 and 15,000 construction workers will gain employment through this landmark steel plant project in Burnpur. It will bring substantial socio-economic transformation to the region,” said Sushil Kumar Suman, president of the IISCO Officers’ Association (IOA).
The foundation stone for the project is expected to be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming months.
In another stride towards sustainable energy, a 3.6 KW capacity solar tree was inaugurated at the ISP sinter plant. The event was attended by Anil Kumar, chief general manager (sinter), and Pradeep Kumar Mishra, Chief general manager (electrical, A&I & C&A).
Addressing the gathering, Anil Kumar stressed the importance of embracing renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint. He urged employees to actively support the green initiative.
The solar tree project was led by Nikunj Bihari Sutar, deputy general manager (Sinter Electrical), who oversaw its execution. He noted that the installation will meet the entire electricity demand of the Sinter Plant canteen while also providing shade and a pleasant environment for employees to unwind during work breaks.
