• Primetals Technologies to supply a 4.2 million tons per year pelletizing plant, three 165-ton ladle furnaces, and two 165-ton RH degassers
• SAIL IISCO to focus on high-grade hot-rolled coil (HRC) and API-grade steel for oil and gas sectors
• Commissioning scheduled for early 2029

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a leading Indian steel producer, is expanding its IISCO steel plant in Burnpur and has selected Primetals Technologies as supplier for a new pelletizing plant, three 165-ton ladle furnaces, and two 165-ton RH degassers. This major greenfield project will significantly boost their steel capacity and enable SAIL IISCO to produce high-grade hot-rolled coil (HRC) and API-grade steel for the oil and gas industries.

New Pelletizing Plant

For the first time, SAIL will build and operate its own pelletizing plant through its partnership with Primetals Technologies, moving away from previous build-own-operate (BOO) models.

The new pelletizing plant will be based on the proven and reliable 576-square-meter straight-grate concept and will feature an annual production capacity of 4.2 million tons. Primetals Technologies will supply key equipment, including the complete induration area, pelletizing discs, motors, and drives.

A core element of the plant concept is Primetals Technologies’ advanced digitalization solution. Smart sensors combined with predictive control models enable continuous monitoring of process conditions and transparent evaluation of production performance. The process optimization system will handle critical tasks such as calculating the ideal raw material mix to achieve targeted pellet basicity and quality, while also supporting supervisory functions like preventive maintenance planning.

The Austrian office of Primetals Technologies, the company’s global center of competence for pelletizing, will handle design, engineering, and the delivery of key components. A decisive factor in securing the order was the strong focus on local manufacturing and equipment supply. The Indian affiliate of Primetals Technologies, acting as consortium leader, will provide local engineering services, equipment supplies, and overall project coordination. Consortium partner Lloyds Engineering will supply local equipment for iron ore grinding and filtration as well as flux grinding.

Comprehensive Secondary Metallurgy Scope

The three new ladle furnaces and two RH degassers from Primetals Technologies will ensure steel refinement and enhanced product quality. These secondary metallurgy units enable precise control of chemical composition and temperature and will also be used for heating liquid steel for subsequent casting operations.

The secondary metallurgy equipment also benefits from close collaboration within the Primetals Technologies organization. The Legelshurst, Germany office, the global center of competence for secondary metallurgy, will provide design and basic engineering for the RH-Degasser plants and supply key components. Primetals Technologies India will act as consortium leader and provide detailed engineering and remaining supply for the RH-degassers, as well as complete basic engineering, detail engineering and supply for the ladle furnaces plus overall project coordination.

The RH-degassers will feature two single RH stations equipped with a steam vacuum pump system, ferro-alloy, and micro-alloy addition systems. Main design elements include monoblock RH vessels and Primetals Technologies’ proprietary combined vessel and ladle lifting system (CVL), combined oxygen blowing (COB) lance system, and a Level 2 RH process optimization system.

The ladle furnaces will include two offline and one online furnace, equipped with transfer cars, ferro-alloy and flux addition system, secondary emission control system, wire feeding, and electrode nippling stations. Design highlights include a 3-point hydraulic roof lifting system, bottom stirring, top stirring lance, arc heating system including HT transformer, circuit breaker, Primetals Technologies’ electrode regulation system and a Level 2 LF process optimization system.

A Leading Indian Producer

SAIL is among India’s largest steel producers, with five integrated plants and three special steel facilities, primarily located in the eastern and central regions near domestic raw material sources. Following the expansion in 2029, the installed capacity at IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur will reach 7.1 million tons per year.

Founded in 1918 as the Indian Iron & Steel Company (IISCO Ltd), today’s IISCO Steel Plant has a long-standing legacy in India’s steel industry. IISCO Ltd was merged with SAIL in 2006, marking a significant milestone in the consolidation of India’s steel sector.