BL reported that Rourkela Steel Plant has registered best ever performance in the production of hot metal and crude steel during April to November 2008.

Sources said that in the first eight months of 2008-09, the steel plant produced 1.5 million tonnes of hot metal which was the highest since inception. Crude steel production of 1.42 million tonnes was also the best ever April to November production notched up by the RSP.

The production of hot metal and crude steel recorded a growth of 3.2% YoY and 5% YoY respectively in April to November 2008 as compared to the corresponding period last year.

The capacity utilization in hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel was 112.5%, 111.6% and 113.9% respectively during this period. Keeping in view the market demand, the steel plant produced 0.318 million tonnes of plates from its plate mill, registering a capacity utilization 150%which was also an all time high.

The production of tin plates registered a growth of 47 per cent over April to November 2007 During November, RSP recorded a capacity utilization of 110% in hot metal, 112% in total crude steel, 156% in plates, 117.3% in HR coils (total) and 103% in total saleable steel.