Steel Ministry Approves Slurry Pipeline for ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Plant

The Ministry of Steel has given its approval for laying a slurry pipeline to support the upcoming ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) project in Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh. This move comes just a week after the project secured environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF), marking another key milestone in the steel plant’s progress.

Pipeline Approval and Legal Framework

The approval was granted under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. This legislation provides the right of way for laying a pipeline to transport iron ore slurry from Chhattisgarh to the Anakapalle plant via Malkangiri in Odisha. The Ministry has designated specific authorities for each region along the pipeline route to manage permissions and land-related procedures.

District-Level Implementation and Land Process

A gazette notification has authorised revenue officers in the districts of Dantewada and Sukma (Chhattisgarh), Malkangiri (Odisha), and Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitaram Raju (Andhra Pradesh) to oversee the project. Following this, the next steps include land acquisition notification, land surveys, public consultations, and formal government recommendations. These administrative processes will ensure smooth execution and adherence to environmental norms.

Eco-Friendly Iron Ore Transportation

The slurry pipeline is designed to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional rail and road transport for iron ore movement. By reducing dependence on heavy vehicle transport, the project aims to lower carbon emissions and minimise logistics-related congestion. The pipeline will enable the efficient delivery of raw material to the upcoming 17 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant, with 8.2 MTPA capacity targeted in its first phase.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The pipeline will transport iron ore slurry from Chhattisgarh to Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh.
• Approval granted under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline Act, 1962.
• Environmental clearance was issued by MoEF before the Steel Ministry’s approval.
• The steel plant will have a total capacity of 17 MTPA, with 8.2 MTPA in phase one.

Strategic Importance for Andhra Pradesh’s Industrial Growth

The approval is a major boost for Andhra Pradesh’s industrial development agenda, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu having personally sought the Centre’s clearance. The ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant is expected to generate substantial employment, drive regional economic growth, and reinforce India’s position as a leading steel producer globally.