Kolkata: Surpassing all previous records of iron ore production & despatch, Steel Authority of India (SAIL) mines in Jharkhand and Odisha jumped to 21.99 million tonnes (MT) and 21.68 MT, respectively, clocking a growth of 5.25 percent and 4.62 percent by the end of the calendar year 2019. The growth has ensured better raw material security for SAIL's eastern sector steel plants which get iron ore supply from the mines operating under SAIL's Raw Materials Division (RMD) in Jharkhand and Odisha.

RMD mines have notched the highest-ever iron ore lump production of 7.48 MT, beating its previous record of 7.14 MT in 2018. The improvement in iron ore lump supply helps in hot metal productivity for SAIL plants. Individually, SAIL's iron ore mines at Bolani, Meghahatuburu, Barsua, and Kalta also recorded highest ever single-day production. As SAIL is ramping up its hot metal production, steady growth in iron ore supply from its captive source is integral.

Along with the iron mines, RMD's Kuteshwar mines also hit best-ever limestone production of 13,60,353 MT, clocking a growth of 40.52 percent over 2018.

RMD has improved its operational efficiency implementing ISO system. RMD mines have been certified with ISO ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018, which has streamlined mining operation, as well as improved environmental management and occupational health system.