Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India

The Ministry of Steel is the central authority responsible for formulating policies, promoting growth, and ensuring the orderly development of the iron and steel sector in India. It supervises several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) engaged in the production of steel, mining of essential raw materials, engineering consultancy, trading, and other related activities. These PSUs form the backbone of the domestic steel industry, ensuring the availability of raw materials, technological expertise, and strategic support for national industrial development.

Overview of PSUs under the Ministry of Steel

The Ministry of Steel has administrative control over a number of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that together constitute the public sector framework of the steel industry in India. These enterprises are primarily involved in areas such as integrated steel production, mineral exploration, consultancy services, and raw material management.
The PSUs under the Ministry of Steel can broadly be classified into three categories:

• Integrated steel producers
• Mining and raw material companies
• Service and consultancy organisations

Each plays a vital role in maintaining the sustainability and competitiveness of the steel sector in the country.

Major Public Sector Undertakings

1. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)Steel Authority of India Limited is one of the largest steel-making companies in India and a Maharatna PSU. Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates several integrated and special steel plants across the country, including in Bhilai, Bokaro, Rourkela, Durgapur, and Burnpur. SAIL produces a wide range of steel products, from flat and long products to special steels used in defence, railways, and construction. It contributes significantly to India’s domestic steel output and infrastructure growth.
2. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, also known as Vizag Steel, is an integrated steel producer located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The company specialises in long steel products and has played a significant role in meeting the growing steel demand of southern India. It is known for its technological efficiency and sustainable operational practices.
3. National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (NMDC)NMDC Limited is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, with major mining complexes in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. It also engages in the exploration and production of other minerals such as diamond and copper. As a Navratna company, NMDC provides essential raw materials to steel plants across the country and supports India’s self-reliance in steel production.
4. KIOCL Limited (formerly Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited)KIOCL Limited, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a Miniratna PSU engaged in iron ore beneficiation, pelletisation, and related operations. It was established to utilise low-grade iron ore from the Kudremukh mines and convert it into export-quality pellets. The company plays an important role in promoting value-added utilisation of India’s mineral resources.
5. MECON Limited (Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants India Limited)MECON Limited, based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is a premier engineering and consultancy organisation providing services in project management, design, and technology development for steel and allied sectors. It has contributed to the establishment of most of India’s major steel plants and continues to provide technical expertise to both domestic and international projects.
6. MSTC Limited (formerly Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited)MSTC Limited, headquartered in Kolkata, initially started as a trading agency for scrap metal but has diversified into e-commerce, e-auctions, and e-procurement services for government and private entities. It provides an efficient platform for the sale of surplus, scrap, and obsolete materials from various industries, including the steel sector, thus contributing to the circular economy.
7. MOIL Limited (formerly Manganese Ore India Limited)MOIL Limited is the largest producer of manganese ore in India. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, it operates several mines across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Manganese ore is a crucial input for the production of ferroalloys, which are essential for steelmaking. MOIL’s operations contribute significantly to the steady supply of this vital mineral for the domestic steel industry.

Additional Public Sector Entities

Apart from the major enterprises mentioned, the Ministry of Steel also has administrative control over other entities such as the Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL), which provides infrastructure and construction services, and Ferro Scrap Nigam Limited (FSNL), which specialises in metal scrap recovery and recycling services. These PSUs collectively support the ecosystem of the Indian steel sector by ensuring optimal resource utilisation and technological advancement.

Functional Significance

The PSUs under the Ministry of Steel perform diverse yet complementary roles that sustain and strengthen India’s metallurgical capabilities. Their functions include:

• Mining and raw material supply: Ensuring consistent availability of iron ore, manganese, and other minerals.
• Steel production: Contributing significantly to the total domestic steel output.
• Engineering and consultancy: Providing technical expertise for new projects and plant modernisation.
• Trade and e-commerce: Facilitating transparent trading, auctioning, and recycling operations.

Together, these undertakings ensure the vertical integration of India’s steel industry — from raw material extraction to finished product manufacturing — thus supporting national infrastructure and industrialisation.

Strategic Importance and Policy Role

These PSUs play a strategic role in achieving the objectives of India’s National Steel Policy, which aims to increase per capita steel consumption, enhance production capacity, and promote sustainability. By maintaining state participation in key segments of the industry, the Ministry ensures national control over strategic resources and promotes balanced regional development.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Steel coordinates modernisation, expansion, and technological upgradation programmes across these PSUs. This includes initiatives to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance global competitiveness in line with India’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

Contemporary Developments

Recent efforts have focused on capacity expansion, digital transformation, and increased collaboration with private and international partners. SAIL and RINL have embarked on modernisation drives, NMDC is expanding its mining operations, and KIOCL has diversified into new value-added projects. PSUs are also contributing to the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” missions by boosting domestic steel production and reducing import dependency.

National Impact

The public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Steel form a crucial pillar of India’s industrial base. They generate substantial employment, foster technological innovation, and ensure equitable distribution of steel-related infrastructure across regions. Their role in nation-building is underscored by their contribution to key sectors such as railways, defence, construction, shipbuilding, and renewable energy.