BL cited some sources in the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries as saying that Xinxing Group and China National Metal, which have entered into a joint venture with three Indian partners, are planning to set up an iron ore pellet plant at Koppal in Karnataka. The Indian partners in the joint venture are Manasara Investments, Kelachandra Group and Sigma Minmet.

Similarly, MSPL Ltd a Bellary based iron ore mining company is planning to set up two iron ore beneficiation plants in Bellary district. MSPL also plans to utilize the iron ore fines as the basic raw material for its pellet plant at Koppal, now under construction.

FIMI sources said that Mineral Enterprises Ltd an exporter of medium grade iron ores, is also in the process of setting up an integrated steel plant in the Chitradurga Hassan area, hoping to use gas from Dabhol for its project.

(Sourced from Business Line)