Despite COVID-19 Nightmare,
India’s Steel Dream Intact
The RBI’s recently-released Annual Report for 2019-20 says high frequency
indicators that have arrived so far point to a retrenchment in activity
unprecedented in history. The upticks visible in May and June after the lockdown
was eased in parts of the country, appear to have lost strength in July and August,
mainly due to re-imposition or stricter imposition of lockdowns, suggesting that
contraction in economic activity will likely prolong into Q2. An assessment of
aggregate demand during the year so far suggests that the shock to consumption
is severe, and it will take time to regain the pre-COVID-19 momentum. Supply
chains and production structures are in disarray and commodity prices, especially
those of metals, are reflecting the supply shock.
However, despite these dour prognostications, our Cover Story, on pg. 34,
reinforces the belief that India’s steel dream is still intact. Peeyush Gupta, Vice
President, Steel (Marketing & Sales), Tata Steel, expects a recovery from April,
2021, although the pandemic has pushed back domestic demand by about a year.
Steel exports may see a drop in the coming months due to rising domestic
demand. Industry tracks the story on pg. 22
Intervista, on pg. 06, turns the spotlight on Vijay Sharma, Director, JSL, who is upbeat that demand for stainless steel will recover from Q3.
In Expertalk, on pg. 30, JSPL MD V.R. Sharma advises that India must be ready for
big-ticket reforms in the coming years.
In Guest Column, on pg. 57, Sanchit Datta, Senior Consulting Analyst, Metals &
Minerals Practice, Frost & Sullivan, reveals that despite aluminum's non-corrosive
nature, weight and elasticity, steel is still the primary metal used in the
automotive industry, due to its strength and cost competitiveness.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

How Green is my Steel?
September-October generally signals the onset of India’s core festive season,
when sales in steel-consuming sectors like consumer durables and auto
traditionally spiral. Even while India’s GDP contracted by a record 23.9% in Q1
against 3.1% in January-March, 2020, present macro indicators like overall
exports and rail freight are likely to show month-on-month improvements in
September over August. Passenger and two-wheeler sales in September were up
20-22% over August but consumer durables recovery could be slow. The
downside is, economy watchers fear demand could fall back post-festive season.
A lot has been happening in iron ore. A key development is that Odisha, India’s
key state in terms of this precious mineral reserve, is grappling with a supply
crisis that threatens the survival of scores of secondary steel units, pellets and
sponge iron producers. Domestic prices too are consequently rallying. The Odisha
government has given a month’s relief till October 31 to ex-lessees of mines
auctioned in February to evacuate stocks and equipment. The mines ministry has
sought feedback on the “proposed reforms” to the MMDR Act, but what do the
iron ore-producing states feel? Globally, China’s construction boom is pushing up
prices to record highs. Spotlight tracks the developments across pgs 05, 23, 56
and 60.
A unique feature of the Indian steel industry is the huge scale of production
through induction furnaces. India is the first and perhaps only country using IFs
to make mild steel. Cover story, on pgs 34 and 40, explores green IF options and
possibilities of steel refinement through this route.
Full recovery in real estate is not yet round the corner as Industry finds out on pg
09.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!
Steel360 wishes its readers a very happy Durga Puja &
Dusshera.

Supply Issues, More ‘Ore’ Less
Growth projections for the current fiscal by various global and domestic agencies
indicate a sharp contraction of the Indian economy, with predictions ranging from
-3.2% to -9.5% against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis. Recently, 15th
Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh said India will see a sharp V-shaped
recovery in the third and fourth quarters of the current fiscal... not necessarily
because anything fundamental will happen or may happen but because of a lower
base. And that FY21 GDP growth would be in negative territory on “serious
demand and supply dislocations”.
But, the economy has to show resilience and move on...
Talking of resilience, the sheer buoyancy of seaborne iron ore prices can be
attributed to China’s voracious appetite post lock-down and supply disruptions
from Brazil. Our cover story on pg. 34 tracks the iron ore scene, global and local.
In India, the segment is poised for a change, where supply dynamics are shifting
from merchant miners to the mills themselves. Prices are expected to stay
subdued in the short term on supply tightness.
Intervista, on pg. 54, caught up with Ruchika Govil, Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Steel, who dwells on key topics ranging from Odisha iron ore auctions to scrap,
the secondary sector and a lot more.
Coal360, on pg. 10, probes BCCL’s new coal washing technologies and focuses on
ECL, on pg. 50 which is targeting quality along with quantity.
Impact, on pg. 20, turns the spotlight on corporates designing infrastructure to
fight COVID-19.
Where is the auto sector graph headed? We track it in Industry,
on pg. 46.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

Several prognostications over the last fortnight gave dour indications of stifled
growth. S&P Global said the economy was “in deep trouble” and expected growth
to contract 5% in the current fiscal before rebounding in 2021. Moody's Investor
Service further downgraded its growth forecast for India to -3.1% this calendar
compared to 0.2% in April, although it expects a marginally stronger rebound at
6.9% in 2021, as opposed to 6.2% in the April update. ADB expects growth to
contract 4% this fiscal and warns countries in “Developing Asia” would “barely
grow” in 2020. Editor - Technology
Nirmalya Deb
Analysts say, the reasons could be constraints in containing the virus and lack of
consumer demand that are impacting businesses while the struggle continues as
India remains a long way from developing herd immunity and an effective remedy
is still elusive.
Like other steel players, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited felt the suffocating impact
of COVID-19 from mid-March. Exports held out a ray of hope. In our cover story
on pg. 39 we zero in on RINL CMD Pradosh Kumar Rath to learn how the steel
PSU is looking to unlock opportunities post-lockdown.
We start a new section, Coal360, where, on and off, we turn the spotlight on
issues plaguing the fossil fuel. In this issue, on pg. 12, BCCL CMD P.M. Prasad
tells us about the company’s contingency plans to combat the impact of the viral
outbreak on domestic coking coal. Also, on pg. 27, we take a close look at the
PSU’s Moonidih washery’s green operating environment.
World View explores on pg. 06 the scrap demand terrain in Bangladesh and
Pakistan.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

SAIL-ing Against the Pandemic Wind Phew, what a phase the country is passing through. COVID-19 infections cross
1.65 lakh and counting. A super-cyclone ravaged West Bengal and another storm is racing towards the western coast. Last heard, marauding locusts were thronging towards Rajasthan and Maharashtra with Chhattisgarh on alert. Not to
speak of the sustained lockdown that might force the Indian economy to contract 5% in FY21 as per Fitch Ratings. Despite infections rising, the government is grappling with a difficult proposition, of whether to lift the lockdown, or, to what
extent? The inevitable question of livelihood over lives sticks its fuzzy neck out in a classic chicken-and-egg riddle.
However, steel behemoth Steel Authority of India (SAIL) is swimming against the tide. It is upbeat of a demand and price rebound and inventory liquidation post-lockdown. But, the pandemic, says SAIL Chairman Anil Kumar Chaudhary, will
usher in long-standing industry changes. He tells a lot more in our Cover Story on pg.40.Impact on pgs. 52 and 62 traces the COVID-19 and reverse migration upshot on steel MSMEs, construction, real estate and cement. Supply chain disruptions,
liquidity concerns, labour availability are key challenges.
The government’s INR 20 lakh crore stimulus package created a stir but tranche IV reforms met with mixed reactions as Industry found out on pg. 06. A report, on pg. 32 from The Foundation of Resource Convergence, spearheaded by former Steel Secretary Dr Aruna Sharma stresses on a holistic approach to policy-making. Starting with this issue, Industry will carry the report, whose
contents can act as valuable inputs for the revised National Mineral Policy, in a three-part series. Intervista, on pg.16, zeroes in on Electrosteel Steels CEO Pankaj Malhan’s thoughts on the COVID-19 impact on steel. Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!...

After beginning on a strong note, coal imports to India started feeling the
COVID-19 heat from March 2020 onwards. Coking coal imports were
considerably affected, as berthing and uploading activities were halted at several
key ports and, with all the major steel mills having scaled down their operations,
demand was low. Australian prices continued to decline throughout last month, as
Asia's major consumer regions of India, Japan and South Korea, saw muted buying
interest amid coronavirus-induced production cuts by multiple steel makers
outside of China. In steam coal, consignments from Indonesia and South Africa
were hit. While Indonesia miners continue to produce and are upbeat on
maintaining the average selling price, exports from South Africa, which, like India,
went into lockdown, have been impacted. Of RBCT’s total 5-6 MnT of thermal
coal exports, 60% come to India. With the virus-induced collapse in industrial
demand for power in Europe, as well as global logistics issues, there can be
serious supply and demand disruptions in the coming months. In India too,
lockdown blues resulted in power demand declining 25-35% in the first half of
April and will continue to remain low till industrial activity resumes fully. Our
Cover Story on pg. 40 takes a 360-degree look at the COVID-19 impact on coal.
In Intervista, on pg. 30, the spotlight is on Malay Mukherjee, Independent Non-
Executive Director, JSW Steel, who feels the sheer magnitude and complexity of
the COVID-19 crisis is unparalleled. Severely disrupted global logistics will
contribute to the growth challenges across sectors.
World View, our international section, on pgs. 36 and 56,
explores the steel demand outlook in China, where inventory
levels have piled up.

As the world officially enters a recession with the IMF declaring so recently, on
the back of the rapid spread of the horrific COVID-19, the Indian steel industry
has gone into respiratory distress, with almost the entire secondary sector having
come to a standstill while the primary producers have curtailed output. Both
moves have reduced capacity utilisation to a mere 30% at present. In any case,
whom will the mills sell to? Both construction and automobiles, which contribute
to over 70% of steel consumption, have come to a grinding halt. Analysts reason
that demand is not going to pick up before Q3. Our Cover Story on pg. 16
explores the COVID-19 conundrum.
In ExperTalk, on pg. 24, Dr Manish Lunker too dwells on the virus impact. Even at
a conservative estimate, if there has been a 20-25% disruption in Chinese
domestic steel consumption in three months, this would result in an extra
inventory accumulation of 30-40 MnT, which is likely to find its way into nearby
Asian markets soon.
In Guest Column, on pg. 10, Dr Aruna Sharma, former Secretary, Ministry of
Steel, GoI, explores what derailed India’s growth story - possibly, knee-jerk
reactions to issues rather than long-term policy reforms.
Intervista, on pg. 05, turns the spotlight on Mandeep Singh, CEO & ED, JSL
Lifestyle, who talks about creating an aspirational stainless steel culture in India.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

VOL VIII ISSUE 09 MARCH 2020
Coal Comfort ?
Coal India’s production figures are of interest to the steel sector since coking coal is a key raw material for manufacturing the commodity while steam coal is used in making sponge iron. Production volumes were at 46.59 MnT and a dismal 34.77 MnT in May and August, 2019 respectively, on the back of an extended monsoon. However, output started rebounding November onwards it seems. But worrisome is the fact that coking production is expected to drop from 54.65 MnT in 2017 to a provisional 19.26 MnT over April-September, 2020. Our Cover Story on pg. 40 caught up with A.K. Jha, the outgoing Chairman at CIL at the time of the interview, for a tete-a-tete, who feels, realistically, 660 MnT targeted for the current fiscal is not achievable because it is not possible to wipe out the large backlog of the first half of the fiscal, but assures that certainly the gap is narrowing.
Keeping in focus SteelMint’s 3rd Steel & Raw Material Conference, 2020 - Emerging Markets Bangladesh, we turn the Intervista spotlight on Sufi Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Founder Chairman of the PHP Family on pg. 48. We also check out BSRM Group MD Aameir Alihussain’s opinion on Bangladesh’s steel industry in World View on pg. 12.
The deadly Coronavirus is on the rampage and questions do arise as to how it will impact the steel industry’s health since Hubei, from where the germ emanated, is the sixth-largest steel-making province in China. Impact tries to guage the initial damage on pg. 06.
We traverse to Raipur in search of People on pg. 18, and meet Amit Agrawal from the Hira Group’s 2nd generation.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!
Madhumita Mookerji
editor@steel-360.com

VOL VIII ISSUE 08 FEBRUARY 2020
RNI: CHHBIL/2013/53990
Postal Regn No CG/RYP DN/87/2018-20
www.steel-360.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
 @360steel Steel 360
Red Haze!
Odisha’s historic mines auctions are looming large. With 19 leases up for expiry
on March 31, mine owners are working backwards to beat the clock, kicking up a
swirling red haze in the process. Will the auctions iron out the wrinkles of raw
material insecurity or lead to fresh blood and iron tactics? Will prices rise, driving
up imports? Will there be supply disruptions? With aggressive bids, will the new
market movers be the large captive users controlling a sizeable 22-25 MnT?
SteelMint, the sister concern of Steel360, mobilised reporters at ground zero, for
a first-hand account of the frenzy unfolding in India’s iron ore capital. Our cover
story on pg. 40 takes an incisive look at the Odisha narrative.
India’s iron ore production in CY 2019 surpassed 231 MnT against CY18’s 204.7
MnT, up 12.9%. Odisha’s share was a chunky 130.04 MnT or 56.29%. We dig
deep into data to come up with a 360-degree look at India’s iron ore’s
performance in CY19. Turn to pg. 32 to read the story.
The spotlight lingers on Odisha. It accounts for 98% of India’s chromite reserves,
97% of which lies in Sukinda. Its de-reservation may see aggressive bids and price
volatility. We explore the chrome ore dynamics on pg. 10.
Intervista, on pg. 56, turns the arc lights on Koushik Chatterjee, ED & CFO, Tata
Steel, who is upbeat that the steel up-cycle is beginning.
World View explores on pg. 06 the steel scenario in neighbouring Bangladesh
through the eyes of Sanjoy Ghosh, Head of Supply Chain at
BSRM, the country’s oldest steel mill.
Madhumita Mookerji
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

Vision 2020!

How will the steel story unfold in the new calendar?
Uppermost in our minds are the mineral auctions and the impending threat of
disruptions in iron ore supply. That apart, factors like capacity ramp-ups and
government plans to boost steel demand will play key roles. Automotive,
construction & infrastructure and home appliances will be important players
propelling steel sector growth in India. Prices, having bottomed out, can only
correct themselves in the new year. Get a peek into the future in our Cover Story
on pg 38.
World’s largest steel maker ArcelorMittal gets a foothold in India via the
acquisition of Essar Steel, the formalities of which were completed in December.
Intervista zoomed in, a couple of weeks before the deal closure, on Dilip
Oommen, CEO of the new entity, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, that will own
and operate Essar Steel. Read the interview on pg 06.
World View, on pg 16, turns the spotlight on Pakistan’s expanding scrap demand
and on Khatib Sons International’s co-founder, Hafiz-ur Rahman Khatib and his
son, Munif-ur-Rehman. They feel steel demand in India’s neighboring country
will increase once government-funded infra projects kick-off.
Alkaline water, marshy areas and salt-laced coastlines provide a corrosive
environment for railway tracks in India. Hence, Railways is training its lens, on pg
12, on galvanized or zinc-coated rails that are an INR 1,400-crore opportunity.
Steel mills’ hopes can gain steam from Coal India’s assurance on
pg 60 that the sector is a priority for the coal behemoth and
that 2 MnT of coking coal have been earmarked for tranche V of
the linkage auctions.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read! :)

In Reverse Gear
The economy literally went into reverse gear with the July-September, 2019
quarter GDP dropping to 4.5%, a 2.6% fall compared to the Q2 in the previous
fisc. And how did the steel landscape look in the year that was? Bleak. Domestic
steel prices crashed 10% across January-August. Private sector investment
backed down on liquidity tightness, dull demand and weak exports. Infrastructure
activity slowed due to the general elections, casting a long shadow. Decelerated
auto sales kept sentiments flat. Naturally, most steel companies' Q2 results took a
hit while a heavy monsoon water-logged demand further. Read our Cover Story
on pg. 36.
In these hard times, operational efficiency is the key. Technology traces on
pg. 56 the process of reducing capex, using 100% iron ore fines.
It's an impressive line-up of 176 bids as Odisha resumes its mineral auctions for
the first 10 blocks after more than a year. It's a classic case of too many miners,
too few mines.
In People, on pg. 20, we converse with Nakoda Group boss Virendra Goel who
spearheaded the growth of one of Chhattisgarh's leading TMT brands.
A corpus of INR 32,553.81 crore has accrued to the DMF out of which only INR
6,944 crore has been utilised. The road to benefit of the mining-affected is a long
one. Impact probes on pg. 16.
Gas-dependent Bangladesh is turning to coal on the back of
frenzied infrastructure demand, opening up a sea of
opportunities for exporters. World View catches the demand
drift on pg. 18.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!
Steel360 wishes its readers a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.

EDITOR'S NOTE
VOL VIII ISSUE 05 NOVEMBER 2019

The lynchpin of a circular economy is the principle of “reduce, reuse, recycle”, on which also hinge some emerging steel technologies. Our cover story on pg 36 focuses on three disruptive technologies which take that defining leap to the next-gen innovation frontier where fossil fuel is not only being replaced with natural gases but also being recycled for producing eco-friendly materials on an industrial scale. One such technology is about growing microbes on BF gas residues to produce ethanol. Second is using hydrogen to replace fossils like coal to reduce iron, where the emission is water! Third is using low-grade iron ore fines, steam coal and oxygen to replace polluting BF gases with emission rates said to be lowest among pioneering steel technologies.

Around 30% of global steel production is via the EAF route but one issue plaguing the segment is early outflow of slag. Steel Innovation on pg 50 focuses on ways to tackle this problem.

Is Chhattisgarh experiencing saturation in its core sector? Is there a need for a vital push from a few key projects to take the state to the next level of development? Impact takes a look on pg 10. Intervista on pg 14 turns the spotlight on M.C. Thomas, Executive in Charge, FAMD, Tata Steel, who predicts ore supplies will not keep pace with the demand for ferro chrome. Hence, ore & alloys prices will remain high in the short, medium terms.

worldsteel revised upwards its October 2019 SRO for steel demand, but on the back of Chinese demand. Consumption is stagnating in developed economies while developing countries emit mixed signals. Read the full report on pg 18.

Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

Flat steel sales, scrap output hit a bump

There is a bloodbath in autoville. Barring October 2018, domestic passenger
vehicle sales have been in slowdown mode since July last year, which means more
than a year's agony for the country's auto manufacturers. Such a scenario is
bound to have an impact on two areas. One is sales of flat steels and two, scrap
generation from new vehicle manufacturing. Cover story traces this auto graph on
pg. 38.

In Intervista, we turn the spotlight on Rahul Mittal on pg. 48 who recently took
over as Chairman of the Sponge Iron Manufacturers Association, and expects a
lot of investments to happen in DRI-based mini integrated plants. In a tête-à-tête
with Zubein Buhariwalla, CEO of Federal Engineers, on pg. 18, we learnt their
machines do not need maintenance contracts.

There is healthy demand for Indian-origin pellets by Chinese steel makers.
Based on the exports numbers reported in Q1, FY20, it is likely that India's pellets
production and exports will surpass the FY19 figures. Read this Product story on
pg. 30.

Tepid domestic demand forced Turkey, the world's largest scrap importer, to
turn to exports. But here too protectionism from the US and Europe turned this
measure into an uphill task. World View traces the vagaries of the steel industry
in this country straddling east Europe and West Asia. Details are on pg. 22.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!

EDITOR'S NOTE
VOL VIII ISSUE 03 SEPTEMBER 2019

Iron ore in a bear hug

Iron ore prices, after sky-rocketing to a five-year high in July, 2019, slumped in mid-August, signaling end of the bull run. Price swings are not new. But factors like the ongoing geo-political dynamics, supply constraints and concomitant market forces had a profound impact on the price curve. Now, prices are slated to linger in bear territory, on the back of ample supplies and stern curbs slapped on steel mills in Hebei. Interestingly, home-grown producers have bucked the trend, reasoning that domestic prices have been conventionally lower than the global benchmarks. For an in-depth look at the iron ore conundrum, turn to our cover story on pg. 38.

Demand-supply fluctuations have kept prices of another key raw material, coking coal, depressed, which is good news for India – it imports three-fourth of its requirement. Chinese mills too are happy since CFR prices are lower than the domestic versions. However, traders are treading cautiously, due to anti-import measures. We trace the dynamics on pg. 12. Talking about China, this Asian giant is showing a voracious appetite for imported semis and metallics. World View, our international section, delves deep into the story. Details are on pg. 30.

The China factor resurfaces again. Granulated pig iron is the next big thing here, what with mills across the BF, EAF and IF platforms showing a keen interest in the material. And, JSPL just may be having the first-mover advantage in exporting consignments to China, Malaysia and Bangladesh. The story unfolds on pg. 64. Intervista turns the spotlight on RINL CMD P.K. Rath, who, at present, is focused on expansion targets and cost economics. Turn to pg. 16 for the full interview. Plus, we focus on a lot more.

Enjoy the read!

Madhumita Mookerji
editor@steel-360.com

GE-tting the hang of China’s graphite
electrodes market!
Wending through the dynamics of China’s graphite electrodes market requires
more intricate steps than, perhaps, its dragon dances! The country has emerged
as the market-mover where GE prices are concerned. Are scrap prices likely to
further head south, amid tepid demand for finished steel? In this issue, our cover
story module focuses on GE, scrap and DRI in anticipation of SteelMint’s
upcoming 4th Steel Scrap, Billet & DRI Summit & 2nd Global Graphite Electrode
Conference, 2019. For an extended read, turn to pg. 38.
Impact delves deep into the NMDC-CMDC Bailadilah Deposit 13 impasse.
Mining has been stopped by the Chhattisgarh government, while AEL says it will
initiate activity only after the mandatory requirements are met by the mine
owners. For a 360 degree view, turn to pg. 28. While on the topic of iron ore,
miners are worried over the MMDR Act cap on iron ore lease areas. Details are
on pg. 06.
From this issue, Nikunj Turakhia, President & CEO, Standard Group India &
President, SUFI, will offer his take on key steel industry issues. Read Expertalk on
pg. 16.
Is it time for India to protect its steel against US aggression? Guest Column on
pg. 52 explores how protectionist measures defeat the prime objectives of the
WTO. Anomalous isn’t it?
Our Technology section is rich in information on hot metal pretreatment, CCS
and how Emirates Steel is moving towards zero waste through a slag
management deal with ECOFER.
Plus, we focus on a lot more. Enjoy the read!
Madhumita Mookerji
editor@steel-360.com

Great expectations!

The government has padded up for its second innings. The goal of a USD 5-trillion economy by 2024 has been set. Industry players are convinced steel will play an important role in achieving this target. But, it is also time for some stock-taking. We take a 360-degree look at what the steel industry wants from the government and why, the policy gaps to be plugged and also the areas in which the administration scored in its first tenure. To read our cover story, turn to pg. 38.

Edwin Basson, worldsteel's Director General, minces no words in saying a market-oriented approach should ensure survival of the fittest and inefficient producers should not be subsidised to remain in operation. Importantly, he says, India will emerge “foremost” in the second league of big players. The full interview is on pg. 20.

Steel360 digs deep into the iron ore mining crisis in Goa, where this once booming industry had received its first jolt in 2010 with the commissioning of the M.B. Shah enquiry panel on illegal mining. Several legal wrangles later, mining is still suspended following the Supreme Court's directive. We explore the twists and turns on pg. 52.

This issue onwards, we introduce a new section, 'People' where we get up, close and personal with personalities across the steel spectrum. In this edition, meet the dynamic Sanjay Jain, President, RISTA, on pg. 26.
We also notice three important steel batons were passed on in the last one year, and that eight companies retain WSA's top producer ranking for three years in a row. Plus, we focus on a lot more!

India is not faring too badly, with a steel demand growth of above 7% expected
in the current and next year, especially when the global demand outlook is
bleak. But, should the steel mills sit back and relax, especially when there is a
target of 300 million tons (MnT) to be achieved by 2030-31? By when should
the on-ground work begin? Is that goal an attainable one, especially since there
are huge challenges in the form of sustainable consumption levels, huge
investments and over-production aspects? Steel360 explores these issues in its
June cover story on pg. 36.
Tata Steel Thailand plans to strengthen its local retail distribution channel in a
bid to expand its products and maintain overall sales in an uncertain demand
scenario. Importantly, it plans to hike its capacity utilisation beyond 80-85%.
Rajiv Mangal, President and CEO of Tata Steel Thailand, discusses these points
and a lot more in an exclusive discussion. ANT Steel Engineers (Asia) Private
Limited’s Chairman, Dr. Sudarshan Singh, dwells on new technologies that
promise to boost yield and ensure operational efficiency in casting and rerolling,
in a free-wheeling chat. To read both interviews, turn to pgs 18 & 22
respectively.
From this issue, we are introducing a new page header, ‘Impact’, under which
we will carry impactful stories on the steel industry. In this edition, we take a
look at whether jobs are stagnating in the steel industry despite a growth in
capital investments. We also find out how Odisha’s iron ore sector coped post-
Fani and carry an in-depth story on the coal sector.
Enjoy the read!

Graphite Electrode is the Party Far From Over?

ON A SLOPPY ROAD

It is a clogging time but “there is always the hard forged time giving away for
the finest steel”. Right now the growth graph is portraying a downward
movement, for the past year and half steel industry are witnessing a wave of
ups and downs. The shadow of decline have affected many of the raw materials
to downstream products, graphite electrode have joined the bandwagon in this
phase. A product which saw an all time high in 2018 is seeing a sloppy growth,
largely because of the weakness in the steel industry and supply chain
distortions, GE is experiencing a nonchalant phase and there are number of
factors which have caused these jitters to GE. Read the story on pg no.36

The low grade iron ore are on the rise after the Vale disruptions, as of now
there a clear movement in trade equations and preference for low grade iron
ore is set to surge. China demand for the low grade iron ore have increased,
this has put India in the limelight, expected to shake up the piled up ore in the
mines. To know more on the outlook of the low grade ore read on pg no. 6. A
full angle report on export and imports of Indian iron ore in FY'19, supported
with production details of different states and miners. Year after year Indian
iron ore production is moving higher simultaneously the export demand is also
keeping its pace; detailed reportage on pg no. 26.

As the greatest democracy India; its general elections have come to an end,
by the month's end the government in majority will take position at the center,
a number of policies and implementation will come into motion in the coming
months both for the mining & steel industry; a year to watch out for the Indian
Steel industry.

GAUGING SCRAP PRICES

The robust demand for scrap is growing in the Asian markets, the imports are seeing an increased movement to most of the Asian countries especially Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the question arises here; will Asian market be detrimental for scrap prices?. Vietnam has already taken the lead in 2018 as the largest importer of scrap, taking a lead over Turkey. Steel360 analyze the rationale behind the shift in the benchmarking of price, as Turkey was the key market in setting the price trends till now and the reasons for this shift, Read the detailed report on pg no 36.

Taking a lead as technology provider for steel industry, Primetals Technologies have full range of integrated equipment and system solutions to ensure high productivity, fast start-ups, short ramp-up times to full production and maximum casting flexibility, exclusive talk with General product Manager, Primetals Technologies, Austria, pg no 10. Sakthi Group one of the largest importer of scrap in the southern part of India, in a short period of time they have diversified into multiple units in different parts in and around Tamil Nadu, know the nitty gritty details of Sakthi group on pg no 06.

Interesting articles on government make some amendments in the MMDR policy, will the National Mineral Policy to bring private investments, and detailed review of Northern Coal Limited as it records the highest production and more , all worth the read.

FIRE UNDER IRON ORE - Is it another year for iron ore? , will it touch USD 100 ton in 2019? a number of cautious questions in the minds of industry & market economists; Iron ore peaked after Vale disaster with cork stop of around 70 mnt of production and expected for close down of more mines in the Southern & southern east of Vale mines in Brazil. The second tragedy after Samarco, Vale mining story is filled tragic tailing dam disaster one after another and closing down of these mines not only affected Vale's production but possibly eating through the global market share too.

Hebei and several other regions around Beijing are home to major steelmakers and coal mines also they are fighting against the smog filled state and it is reported that it plans to cut its capacity by 14 million tonne this year. Steel360 in the cover story have taken expert views on the use of DRI for clean environment, technology driven which is the need of the hour for iron & steel making in China.

DRI is obtained by reduction of iron oxide in its solid state to produce a high quality metallic product to be used as feedstock in steel-making applications. DRI have made its presence at China's CSTM which is taken from Iran DRI also called PERED. Read in detail the analysis & expert opinions on pg no. 36.

Expectations & Changes - 2019

A New Year is always filled with expectations; but change isn't always easy and sometimes it can be hard to get motivated to embrace something new and
different. Last year the iron and steel industry went through a phase of uneasy
changes both globally & locally from rising tensions of trade war, price rises,
M & A's, and temporary truce of trade war. 2019 should pave way for change in technology, regulations, improving skill gaps for Indian steel industry.

WOW' factor in coated Roofing & cladding

Architects and real estate owners are increasingly turning to coated steel to
meet their design vision for both commercial and residential installations. Color
coated steel have the ability to be formed into almost any shape, excellent
resistance to weathering for superior longevity, infinite aesthetic color and
texture options, and positive environmental benefits, make it a perfect choice
for both interior and exterior construction applications. Indian coated steel
industry is surging at a greater pace with the growing infrastructure,
government housing projects and the growing demand for micro apartments in
the metro cities.

Steel360 effort to understand the India's color coated market opened up
interesting and compelling information with industry expert outlook on the
product, challenges to the imports market, which led to understand how big and
colorful the coated steel market is. Also how this market can fulfill the dream of
housing for everyone for an overly populated country like India.


The Inflation of Indian “Black Gold”

India is blessed with an abundance of coal but most of the coal fired power
plants are struggling with coal shortage due to infrastructure issues hampering
access to this “black gold”. Of the 123 coal-fired utilities with coal linkage
contracts, 68 plants have three or less days of coal stocks left, according to
government data dated Oct. 23. So there is going to be higher imports of coal
in the months to come as the power, cement and steel industry are expected
to witness improvement in demand and capacity utilization.

India is the second largest producer and importer of coal after China; the
dependence on coal imports have increased especially thermal coal imports
which is expected to climb to 180 million tonne in FY19 despite prices up
surged to their highest in nearly seven years spurred by new demand and
domestic infrastructure bottlenecks. The import of coal is directly impacting
the government which is already embroiled in growing trade deficit and
depreciating rupee.

All that Glitters is Treasure in “Scrap”

The Indian Steel industry is moving in a fast pace, becoming the second largest
producer of steel in the world; while it sounds gratifying, it does come with a
price to the society in high energy usage, increase in harmful emissions and green
house gases. The way out is efficient recycling of engineered goods there by
saves energy, reduces emissions, conserves resources, saves foreign exchange,
and creates large avenues for employment. For India being one of the fastest
growing economies in the world, has taken long time to foray into the structured
recycling business, it is believed to be one of the most unorganized sectors in
India.

Automobiles are among the most recyclable of engineered goods, offering rates
of recovery up to ninety per cent. The recycling of vehicles at the end of life, in
particular, presents a major challenge and a great opportunity in the Indian
context. Up till now there were no regulations governing design and
manufacturing vehicles for end-of-life ease of recycling, or standards regulating
the operations of units engaged in breaking up old vehicles in India. Europe and
Japan have stringent regulations governing these aspects.

Disruptive Technologies forEmerging Markets

The iron & steel industry are in various stages of research and development, in
parallel with continued improvements in the reliability, efficiency and energy
usage of conventional processes. There is continuous innovation and adoption
of new technologies which is required for steel sector companies to survive and
move ahead with time. The global market scenario is changing faster for the steel
industry, a number of innovative iron and steel making process technologies are
being developed to provide the steel companies with economically-sustainable
alternatives for iron and steel-making.

The fundamentals of converting iron ore to iron and refining it to steel has
not changed for past 100 years, but what has changed is the scale and efficiency
of using technology, the dynamics has changed over the period of time. Iron &
Steel industry is the backbone and the foundation for all nations, if we look at the
infrastructure – rails, roads, defense, buildings, and airports, almost everything
rely on steel. Technology has synergized the industry which is the need of the hour,
using alternative modes for more green technology and a conscious approach
towards environment and reducing on GHG.

Tailwind spin of High Grade iron ore

Higher grade iron ore prices are seeing a spiral movement in past few months, may
surge to 100 dollar mark leading to further change the trend and reshape the
global market. China buying cheap low-grade ore in order to be cost effective is
slowly coming to an end with Chinese government has warned mills that they could
face closure if they don't meet emission targets by October.

The clamp down on pollution is expected to move higher which was initially at
10-15 % and which could move up to 50 % during the summer.
So what China needs now and in the future will be more sophisticated ore, with
higher iron and lower impurity content, it has pushed the Chinese market slowly to
opt for higher grade iron ore which emits lesser pollution even though the margin
cost is moving higher. In midst of trade war looming iron ore shaved away from the
impending danger as other commodities are feeling the pinch of the trade war. The
pricing for iron ore has been dramatic in the past few months and the miners in
Brazil & Australia are racing up & revamping strategies to fulfill the Chinese market.
Read the detailed analytical report of cover story on pg-34.

The Up Rise of Indian Pellet

Pellet production has taken over the Indian iron ore market for the past 
few years. Iron ore pelletisation is seeing a multi-fold growth and the
surge is transposing India in the global pellet market. As Samarco
production probably will begin by the end of 2018 or the beginning of
2019, Indian pellets continue to have the strong hold on the export
market even though there is expected seasonal changes.

Pellet industry is seeing an improved growth in last few fiscal as Non-
Chinese markets opened its export markets for Indian exporters. The
expansion plans are also on underway on higher capacity utilization as
Indian pellet industry is strengthening by the demand both at the
domestic and global market.

Its “good tidings” in Alang” 

Ship breaking is the end of life for any form of ship which toiled its long
years in the high seas with captain, crew & the people around it. Only
few places in the world have got right geographical setting and proper
infrastructure to put an end to these old ships and one such place which
is lined with coastal shores, right tides and the presently developed
infrastructure is Alang, at the west coast of Gujarat, India. Steel360
visited the ship recycling yards of Alang to know the exact situation and
the waves of changes as the green ship recycling is taking over the yards. 

Alang is witnessing a drastic shift especially towards green ship recycling
and it is reimaging its outlook by following all the certification, upgrading
infrastructure, safety standards, and being environmentally conscious.
Ship recycling in India contributes around 1 to 2% for domestic steel
demand and most of dismantled ship scraps are recycled and reused.
Read the detailed report on pg 32.

Soaring from wilderness 

The Indian steel industry has seen many emerging faces but very few
could stand the test of time, out of sheer hard work and starting with an
edible oil mill, Gallantt Group grew out of the far and toughened
environment of Gorkhapur, Uttar Pradesh. For more than a decade
Gallantt Group has stood the test of time even though the company has
neither access to seaports or iron ore mines, it managed to survive
where most of the producers would have give up.

Also when major steel producers are debt laden, Gallantt Group is an
exception with least debt and the actuality is; it is making gallant strides
in the Indian steel industry. In the cover story, Gallantt Group C. P.
Agrawal Chairman & MD and Mayank Agrawal CEO bare their mind on
their unrelenting success, management and local market dominance with  Steel360. 

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Steel 360 is a monthly magazine covering the metal and mining industry in India. The magazine has a readership of 50,000+ across the globe in the metal and mining fraternity across the country (print circulation only in India). Each issue of the magazine carries a highly informative cover story; write-ups on trending topics, market prices & offers, current news from the metal & mining industry, latest technology trends, columns from industry veterans, import-export statistics, information on upcoming events and much more.
The magazine is a comprehensive handbook to numerous Managing heads, Directors, CEOs, Technical Heads, Marketing/Purchase/Sales Managers, Analysts and other key decision-makers at various business groups in the metal, mining, research, financial services, infrastructure and other related sectors.

Web: https://www.steel-360.com

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Steel 360 - September 2020

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