Essar Steel has successfully commissioned a Corex module, with a capacity of 0.87 million tonnes per annum, as part of its expansion program for increasing steel production capacity from 4.6 million tonnes per annum to 10 million tonnes per annum at its Hazira complex.

It has earlier commissioned Blast furnace and a DRI module. With this the iron making capacity has reached over 9.5 million tonnes per annum. A second Corex module of 0.87 million tonnes per annum is expected to be commissioned shortly. The overall expansion including downstream facilities at Hazira is being done at a cost INR 17,000 crores.

The first tap of Hot metal from Corex was successfully converted into saleable product, which is a remarkable achievement.

Highlights of the Essar's Corex facility can be summarized as follows:

1. Significant lower investment costs and operating costs vis a vis BF
2. Outstanding environmental compatibility
3. Highest operational flexibility
4. Use of Corex export gas for many applications within the plant

Essar Steel Hazira complex is thus poised to become India's largest flat steel facility at any single location and amongst the ten largest facilities in the world. It is fully integrated and capable to produce the entire range of flat products. The total investment in Essar’s Hazira steel complex is INR 30,000 crores.

The recently installed state of the art Compact Strip plant, Plate mill along with steel making capability allows us to produce high quality value added products to serve both the domestic and export markets.

Major facilities are expected to be commissioned by March 2012.