"From Mines to Might: Gadchiroli Rises as India’s Steel Powerhouse"

Fadnavis Lays Foundation for Maharashtra’s First Integrated Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has laid the foundation stone for the state’s first integrated steel plant in Konsari, Gadchiroli. Developed by Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), the ₹40,000 crore project spans 300 hectares and is expected to be operational within 30 months. The plant will create 20,000 jobs, catalysing economic transformation in one of Maharashtra’s least developed districts. The region, rich in high-grade iron ore (averaging 67% iron content), offers a competitive edge over Chinese ore. LMEL’s mine has a capacity of 25 MTPA and supports a shift toward gas-based steel production, resulting in reduced costs. Fadnavis noted this initiative could elevate Gadchiroli into the state’s top 10 districts by per capita income within five years. Additional projects include a 4 MTPA pellet plant, 10 MTPA slurry pipeline, and 5 MTPA grinding unit at Hedri. JSW Group is also planning one of the world’s largest steel plants nearby.