With the correction in global HRC prices, it is seen that the imports of HRC have become viable again. Chinese steel makers are offering SS 400 grade HRC around USD 1000 per tonne but deals are likely to take place at lower levels also.

Given below is the working of IPP at Mumbai

Domestic Price
Is in INR per tonne
Inclusive of ED and VAT

Import Parity Pricing
IN USD per tonne on CNF Mumbai basis
Port Expenses by break bulk INR 350 per tonne
Conversion - USD = INR 42.16
Profit Margin in longs taken as Rs.500 as it is from Manufacturer
Margin in flats taken is Rs.1500 which includes importer margin plus agent commission plus retailer margin plus 60 to 90 days credit

(Sourced from www.steelprices-india.com)

BS reported that Steel Authority of India Limited has evinced interest in developing the Jharia coal mines in Jharkhand which is estimated to have over 8 billion tonnes of high grade coking coal reserves. The steel makers' interest in Jharia comes on the back of shooting coking coal prices in the global market.

Asked if SAIL would develop the Jharia coal mines alone or in consortium with other steel producers, Mr SK Roongta chairman of SAIL responded in the positive. "Yes the matter related to mining in Jharia is with coal and steel ministries.”

The development of Jharia mines has been in limbo so far due to the rehabilitation issue of people from the region. The Jharkhand Cabinet has recently approved the Jharia Action Plan following which Coal India may now initiate steps for relocation of people who are opposed to it.

ET reported that Monnet Ispat & Energy is close to acquiring an Indonesian coal mining firm for close to USD 50 million. AS per report, Monnet Ispat will fund the acquisition through a mix of debt and internal accruals.

The report added that while the proven coal reserves of the Indonesian firm are around 280 million tonne.

It said that the Indonesian laws, at least 5% ownership of the coal mines must lie with the local partner, therefore, Monnet would hold 95% ownership of the total coal block.

As per repot, the deal will enable the company meet iron ore requirements of its 2 power plants that are likely to come up in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh with a joint capacity of 4,000 MW. The power plants would entail an estimated investment of INR 15,000 crore.

At present, MIEL owns a captive coal mine of over 1.5 million tonnes in Chhattisgarh. Last December, the steel firm signed a JV agreement with TATA Power Company & Jindal Photo Film to develop a 290 million tonnes coal mine at Mandakini in Orissa.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India has sought intervention of Prime Minister office to direct the Ministry of Mines to evolve a uniform policy under which steel makers put up steel plants in all iron ore rich states such as Orissa, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.

In a representation to the Prime Minister Office, the ASSOCHAM President, Mr Sajjan Jindal said that different states having iron ore reserves have their policies for land acquisitions with variety of plans to develop their locations which are contradictory in nature. He said that “As a result, the steel manufacturers have to pursue one direction in one particular state and different in other states, which cause problems in execution of their projects and add to costs.”

The minerals source, according to ASSOCHAM is a national wealth and should be used in countries interest in an equitable manner in which local dominance should not come on way for narrow economic gains and ulterior political objectives.

The Chamber has therefore underlined the need for uniform policy that can allow free movement of natural resources within the country in the absence of which the ASSOCHAM is of the view that the country might push itself to its bulkinasation. In view of ASSOCHAM, the uniform policy for steel manufacturers to put up their respective steel plants would create industrial climate for double digit growth as steel makes for a sector which constitute a substantial element for infrastructure sector.

Mr Jindal expressed hope that “The Prime Minister office will take proper note of what has been represented to it in interests of steel makers in particular and country as a whole. This will facilitate industrial development of such states as are richly endowed with natural resources like iron ore to suit the national as well as local requirements. “

Lrsen & Toubro Limited, in consortium with Global technology partners, has secured INR 7,530 million order on EPC basis for 360 square meter sinter plant, scheduled for commissioning in 30 months for Steel Authority of India Limited Rourkela Steel Plant expansion of 3.7 million tonne per annum.

L&T’s portion is valued at INR 5,880 million.

With this order, L&T-Outotec is concurrently executing six sinter plants on EPC basis in India and has established itself as the most preferred supplier in the steel industry.

Three Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Steel will give INR 1.5 million to ace shooter Mr Abhinav Bindra for his historic achievement at the Beijing Olympics.

Mr Ram Vilas Paswan minister for steel, chemicals & fertilizers said that the 3 PSUs are Steel Authority of India Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited and the National Mineral Development Corporation will contribute INR 0.5 million each.

He added that the “3 PSUs will honor all Olympic medal winners. Those winning gold medal will be given INR 1.5 million while silver medal winners will be given INR 1 million and bronze medal winners INR 0.5 million.”

Lrsen & Toubro Limited, in consortium with Global technology partners, has secured EPC orders aggregating INR 38,160 million from various customers in the metals industry.

L&T in consortium with Outotec GmbH of Germany for pellet plant and Paul Wurth Italia for Blast Furnace has bagged EPC orders worth INR 25,450 million from TATA Steel for 768 square meter grate area 6 million tonne pellet plant and 3,800 cubic meter blast furnace at Jamshedpur. L&T’s portion is valued at INR 15,780 million.

The pellet plant is scheduled for commissioning in 33 months.

L&T in consortium with Paul Wurth of Italy has been awarded an order for 2.5 million tonne per annum BF on EPC basis, scheduled for commissioning in 30 months.

L&T has recently successfully commissioned the largest Blast Furnace H for TATA Steel at Jamshedpur.

The repeat order for similar size Blast Furnace from Tata Steel reinforces the faith reposed by Tata Steel on L&T-Paul Wurth consortium.

One can have an idea about the importance of the construction industry in India from the fact that it is the second largest contributor to the GDP after agriculture. The industry provides employment to more than 3% of the population. Its market size is around USD 55 billion and is growing at around 7% to 8% per annually, faster than the GDP growth. As the Construction sector is growing faster than the country’s project GDP growth, there exist a tremendous potential for development in the related area.

“Directory of Construction Companies in India” is one of the top sources of information available on a construction companies in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of construction companies in India that ever published. This powerful directory is your connection to the entire construction companies in India.

Published in August 2008, “Directory of Construction Companies in India” has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to Indian Construction companies.

Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing, raw material seller, in equipment business or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the construction companies in India, this directory will save you time and effort in finding the information you need. This report will enable you to profile construction companies in India, build new business prospects, generate new customers, discover who your competitors are and make vital contacts. You would save the time, money and effort of doing your own research. This directory has been especially compiled to assist with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients or suppliers. It is also an indispensable guide to India’s construction sector.

Why spend hundreds of hours searching for new contacts? Invest in a copy TODAY!

This report covers name and product details of 1000 Construction Companies in India in alphabetical as well as location wise order. Look at the information you'll get in the 'Directory of Construction Companies in India’
1. Company name -1000 entries
2. Address-1000 entries
3. Phone number-951
4. Fax number -652 entries
5. Mobile number-349
6. Email -749 entries
7. URL – 593

Format - PDF File (Total no of pages – 545), delivery by Email on receipt of payment of USD 950 or equivalent in INR. Additional charges would be levied for delivery of file on a CD or in printed form

How to order
Ordering the report is simple. You can order your copy to reports@steelguru.com for getting an invoice for the report.

Steel Authority of India Limited will award INR 0.5 million to 25 year old Mr Abhinav Bindra for winning India's first gold medal in the individual shooting event at the Beijing Olympics today.

Mr SK Roongta chairman of SAIL said that "This is a great honor for our country and a matter of pride for all Indians and will enthuse our sports fraternity to bring more such laurels.”

SAIL has been nurturing a large number sports and sportspersons since its inception through its sports academies, regular sports camps and training programs and financial support in the form of scholarships etc. The company has set up modern sports infrastructure at all its main plant locations. Besides, SAIL is one of the biggest sponsors of sporting events at the national and international levels.

The release added that “SAIL is currently developing two wrestlers, Mr Yogeswar Dutt and Mr Sushil Kumar, for participation in the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in 2010. Mr Dutt and Mr Kumar are part of the Indian contingent to the Beijing Olympics. The SAIL collective wishes them the very best for success in their respective events.”

'Directory of Refractory Makers in India' in India is one of the top sources of information available on refractory makers in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of refractory makers in India that ever published. This powerful directory is your connection to the entire refractory companies in India.

Outotec has agreed with TATA Steel upon the delivery of an iron ore palletizing plant to be built in TATA’s steel works in Jamshedpur. The contract value exceeds EUR 70 million. When completed in 2011, the palletizing plant will be the largest such plant in India and among the largest in the world.

Outotec's scope of delivery covers basic and detail engineering, supply of critical and proprietary equipment for a plant with 768 square meter grate area as well as technical assistance services. Outotec's local partner in the project is Larsen & Toubro Ltd, whose scope of work covers detail engineering, local supplies, erection and commissioning along with civil and structural works.

Mr Tapani Järvinen president & CEO of Outotec said that "This contract reinforces the long standing partnership between TATA Steel and Outotec. We have already delivered four sinter plants to TATA Steel's Jamshedpur works and the largest sinter plant of India to TATA’s Kalinganagar works. The order also strengthens Outotec's position as the leading supplier of agglomeration technologies for the iron and steel industry, especially in the highly competitive Indian market.”

L&T has bagged a repeat order from Hindustan Zinc for 0.21 million tonnes per annum Leaching, Purification and Zinc Electrolysis plant on EPC basis, valued at INR 5,180 million, scheduled for commissioning in 17 months.

According to Mr T Shankaralingam former C MD of NTPC and now chairman of East Coast Energy, shortage of equipment suppliers, spiraling fuel prices and rising input costs are among the key areas of concern with the potential to impact the projected capacity addition in the country’s power sector.

Mr Shankaralingam said that there is huge demand for equipment suppliers and the capacity addition during the 11th Plan period is directly linked to the ability to meet such supplies. However, apart from BHEL, more companies such as L&T & Bharat Forge have either already forayed or are evincing interest in equipment manufacture.

He said that “The entry of new players is good for India as this will have a direct bearing on the projected capacity addition of about 75,000 MW during the 11th Plan period. We may achieve about 80% and may even stretch up to 100% if most plants, now under implementation, manage equipment supplies.”

Mr Shankaralingam said that “Many believe that Chinese companies would be able to bridge the equipment supply demand in India. Contrary to this belief, Chinese companies too have huge commitments locally and to markets outside. They would be able to supply only after they meet their existing order books.”

He further added that after the experiences faced in the last decade with the gas based projects and shortage of fuel on one side and the volatile nature of gas prices on the other, most developers are looking at coal as fuel be it domestic or imported coal. The choice of coal seems to be more appropriate given the relative stable pricing.

CONTENT

Topics
1. Indian steel: an introduction to its structure and growth
2. Capacity: crude and finished steel: growth trends by major producers and segments.
3. Production trend analysis, crude and finished steel, for major producers and segments.
4. Consumption trends by products and in different regional markets.
5. Detailed status of the steel market in India, by products and with specific details such as size and shapes for HR Coils, CR Coils and Sheets, Galvanized sheets, Rebars, Sections, Wire Rods and Plates.
5. New investments in steel: latest status of the projects.
6. Expected production of steel year wise till 2015, by products. Different scenarios.
7. Latest forecasts of annual steel demand by products till 2020.
8. The alloy and stainless steel market: trends in investment, production, consumption.
9. Forecast of alloy and stainless steel demand till 2020.
10. Specific opportunities in alloy and stainless steel.
11. Steel price trends and short term forecasts.
12. Costs of production of steel in India: past trends and forecasts.
13. The iron ore factor in Indian steel. Advantages and opportunities.
14. Details of captive mines with Indian steel producers and new prospecting and mining leases granted to them.
15. Coal and energy issues for the Indian steel industry: how is the industry placed today?
16. What is the impact of the rise in raw materials prices on major Indian companies or segments of the industry?
17. How are the merchant pig iron and sponge iron producers shaping up?
18. What is the steel scrap scenario? Estimates of domestically generated scrap and imports.
19. What are the M&A opportunities in Indian steel?
20. India’s external trade in pig iron, sponge iron, steel, iron ore and coal. What is the future for each of them?
21. Strategic Options and Recommendations

190 pages with more than 70 charts and tables

Scheduled for release on 1st September 2008

Price on release: USD 5000 or equivalent in INR

You can order your copy to reports@steelguru.com

Reuters reported that Steel Strips Wheels Limited said that it has sold 515,284 wheel rims in July up by 20% YoY.

Steel Strips Wheels Limited in a statement said that production of wheel rims increased 20% to 518,039 in the month and exports in July nearly quadrupled from a year ago to 38,640 wheel rims.

The Telegraph reported that India’s largest wagon maker Texmaco Limited is planning to revamp the company.

As per report the company plans to hive off the engineering division which includes the wagon business into a separate entity and bring in private equity funds of about INR 200 crore for the entity.

After the exercise is over, Texmaco Limited will have the investments real estate and hydro power businesses in its fold. Texmaco will also be the majority shareholder of the proposed engineering division.

Mr Saroj Poddar executive vice chairman of Texmaco said that the revamp was being carried out to tap opportunities in infrastructure. He said recently after the 68th annual general meeting of the company “We need funds to expand the business.”

Texmaco has appointed ICICI Securities to scout for prospective investors, while Ernst & Young will help it chalk out the revamp roadmap.

It is reported that Jindal Steel & Power Limited plans to set up nuclear power plants once the government opens up atomic energy to the private sector.

A senior executive at the company said that “We are looking at the nuclear option. Oe the Indian government allows the entry of the private companies into that sector, we plan to diversify into the nuclear power generation space.”

According to the current guidelines, atomic energy is the exclusive preserve of the Union government. Nuclear power plants can be set up only by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, a public sector firm under the department of atomic energy. The sector is expected to be opened up to the private sector and other state owned firms with changes in the existing legal and policy framework if the Indo US civilian nuclear cooperation deal is passed by the US Congress.

The company has set up a 1,000 MW thermal power plant at Raigarh in Chhattisgarh and plans to set up additional capacities of 2,520 MW and 2,640 MW in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand respectively.

BL reported that after the collapse of the turbine blades at the Sagardighi thermal power station in West Bengal, the big question in the power sector has resurfaced.

According to the report, out of the 78,000 MW targeted for the current Plan period, orders have been placed for 72,000 MW with Chinese manufacturers accounting for 22% share.

Mr Jairam Ramesh union minister of State for Commerce & Power told BL that this was not a trend he would like to see continue into the 12th Plan. He said that what caused the turbine collapse at the 300 MW unit of Sagardighi is not clear.

It is in this context that the Central Electricity Authority is studying the experience of the few utilities, such as at Sagardighi, that have commissioned their plants using Chinese equipment.

GRIHA is a green building design evaluation system, a tool to design, operate, evaluate and maintain resource efficient healthy and intelligent building.

This National Rating System will evaluate the environmental performance of a building holistically over its entire life cycle, thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building. The rating system, based on accepted energy and environmental principles will seek to strike a balance between the established practices and emerging concepts, both national and international. The guidelines or criteria appraisal may be revised every three years to take into account the latest scientific developments during this period.

On a broader scale, this system along with the activities and processes that lead up to it will benefit the community at large with the improvement in the environment by reducing GHG emissions, improving energy security and reducing the stress on natural resources.

Some of the benefits of a green design to a building owner, user and the society as a whole are as follows
1. Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort levels
2. Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats and biodiversity and reduced soil loss from erosion, etc.
3. Reduced air and water pollution
4. Reduced water consumption
5. Limited waste generation due to recycling and reuse
6. Reduced pollution loads
7. Increased user productivity and
8. Enhanced image and marketability.

Tribune News Service reported that 2 wheeler major Bajaj Auto would enter the 4 wheeler market with an investment of INR 650 crore spread over the next 5 years.

The report quoted Mr Sanjiv Bajaj ED of Baja Auto as saying that the first offering of the company in the 4 wheeler segment would be a cargo carrier on the lines of the Ace mini truck produced by TATA Motors company.

It said that the cargo carrier would be out in the market before March 2009. The company is also mulling entry into the small passenger car market.

The announcement of Bajaj's expansion plans came when the company reported a sharper than expected fall in its quarterly net profits by 18% to INR 226 crore. The company has blamed the poor performance on slowdown in demand and higher commodity prices.

Mr Rajiv Bajaj MD Bajaj Auto said that the company was hit by falling demand for its mass 100cc bike even though its more expensive offerings grew between 10% and 20%.

BEML Limited has informed BSE that MrDilip Biswas Additional Financial Advisor & Joint Secretary Ministry of Defence Government of India has been appointed as Part time Director on the Board of the Company in place of Mr Mohd Haleem Khan of Additional Financial Advisor & Joint Secretary who ceased to be a Director.

Bloomberg reported that Brazilian crude steel production rose to 17.4 million tonnes in the January to June 2008 period, up by 6.9% YoY. Rolled steel production increased by 3.3% YoY to 13 million tonnes. Semi finished steel products output rose by 22% YoY to 3.28 million tonnes after increased production at Gerdau SA and ArcelorMittal's Tubarao works.

Mr Flavio Azevedo president of Brazilian Steel Institute said that steel exports from Brazil fell by 10% YoY to 5.04 million tonnes as domestic consumption increased. Domestic steel sales rose by 18% YoY to a record 11.5 million tonnes. He added that "Domestic sales were better than expected. These were 5% to 6% above the level we had predicted in May 2008.''

Mr Azevedo said that domestic market growth was linked to strong demand from the construction, capital goods and automotive segments. He added that, for the whole year, the steel institute expects crude steel output to grow by 7.4% to 36.27 million tonnes, domestic products sales to increase by 12.5% to 23.12 million tonnes and exports to rise by 2.1% to 10.53 million tonnes.

It may be noted that in June 2008, the institute had forecast domestic sales growth for the year of 13%. The slight change is because of programmed maintenance and stocks adjustments.

Platts reported that prime industrial ferrous scrap has softened by USD 35 to USD 40 per long tonne from highs near USD 900 per light tonne as more scrap processors finished their August 2008 transactions for shredded ferrous scrap within the Platts assessed range, leaving the assessed price for shredded scrap delivered to Midwest mills at a midpoint of USD 565 per light tonne.

The downward movement of prime industrial scrap mirrors pig iron price drops of approximately the same magnitude. Pig iron is now said to be selling for USD 900 per tonne Port of New Orleans, down from previous highs of USD 930 per light tonne to USD 940 per light tonne in July 2008.

While August 2008 ferrous scrap prices are softer, sources expressed caution that the market could snap back as colder winter weather curtails inbound scrap flows or if Turkish mills vigorously return to buying US scrap exports.

According to Mr Surapong Chiangtong director general of Bureau of Primary Industries, Thai industry ministry is preparing to introduce a new scrap standard next year to curb environmental impact and improve steel product quality.

Mr Surapong said that setting a minimum standard for scrap is important as it affects finished steel product quality, public safety, environmental impact caused in smelting, and would improve steel industry competitiveness.

Mr Pravit Horrungruang deputy CEO of Suntech Metals, a local scrap provider, supports the improvement drive. He said that the price of scrap tended to reflect smelter demand. With proper scrap classification, price fluctuations would be in a more predictable range, while safety and environmental concerns would be eased.

Mr Pravit said that scrap prices had been high in the past two years due to high demand for steel products. However, prices fell slightly in the past month as local demand eased in the rainy season. As well, an influx of imported scrap ordered a few months ago to support high demand in the past was now entering the market. He added that ''Two months ago a kilogram of scrap cost almost THB 20, it now costs THB 15 to THB 16."

China Steel Corporation has scored TWD 25.996 billion in sales in July 2008, up by 52.52% YoY from TWD 17.046 billion in July 2007. It attributed the substantial sales growth in July to the 17.8% YoY rise in wholesales prices on its products for shipments beginning from the third quarter of this year.

Despite the historic high record in monthly sales, foreign institutional investors still dump CSC shares on domestic bourse in the wake of the slump in steel prices in mainland China. Recently the prices for construction use steel products have been on the decline in the mainland China market. Moreover, the prices for round steel bars have plummeted over the past two months in line with a price decline for scrap steel in the international marketplace.

The dimmed steel market mood has caused foreign investors to expect that CSC will downward adjust wholesale prices for the products to be shipped in the fourth quarter of this year. However, CSC argued the selling prices for its products are still lagging behind those of the international marketplace by between USD 100 and USD 300 per metric tonne.

CSC has registered TWD 150.319 billion in combined sales in the January to July 2008 period, up by 28.2% YoY from TWD 117.243 billion a year earlier. It said it is able to keep steel prices steady as it has reflected the rise in raw material prices several times since the beginning of this year.

CSC saw operating profit margin reach 22.52% and 26.95% in first and second quarter of this year, respectively. A market analyst predicted CSC would be able to see third quarter operating profit margin remain at the same level as the second quarter because of the effect of raising wholesale prices for the products shipped in the third quarter.

The fast developing Indian steel industries are continuing beyond what most believed was possible. As one of the world's fastest growing economies, India has become the most happening place among world steel market over last few years and thus is in the radar of not only Indian but most of global players associated with steel industry. But due to fragmented nature of industry, a comprehensive list of smaller steel makers is not readily available.

"Indian Steelmakers Directory 2008' is one the top sources of information available on steel making companies in India! 'Indian Steelmakers Directory' is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of Indian steel companies that have ever been published. This powerful directory is your connection to the entire Indian steel industries sector.

Published in February 2008, “Indian Steelmakers Directory 2008” has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to India's rapidly growing steel makers. This Directory will be extremely useful to businesses that deal specifically with companies in the iron and steel industry, ferroalloys, consumable suppliers, raw material sellers, equipment makers and others.

Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing, raw material seller, in equipment business or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the Indian steel industries, this directory will save you time and effort in finding the information you need.

Why spend hundreds of hours searching for new contacts? Invest in a copy TODAY!

This directory covers name and details of 720 of Indian steelmakers in Alphabetical as well as location wise order.

Look at the information you'll get in the 'Indian Steelmakers Directory'

• Company name -723 entries
• Address-723 entries
• Phone number-723 entries
• Fax number -590 entries
• Email -446 entries

Report Summary:
1. Published: Feb 2008
2. Format PDF File (Delivery by Email on receipt of payment)
3. Total no of pages – 396

Price: USD 1250 or equivalent in INR
(Additional Charges would be levied for delivery of file on a CD or in printed form)

You can order your copy to reports@steelguru.com

Leighton Holdings Limited’s subsidiary John Holland announced that it has been awarded two new contracts with a total value of USD 287 million by the Ports Corporation of Queensland. The dual award of the Abbot Point X50 Expansion Marine Works and SL2 Ship loader Contracts brings the total value of current work being undertaken by John Holland on behalf of PCQ to USD 330 million.

The USD 238 million X50 Marine Works Package comprises the construction of a second 500 meter long berth, approximately 2.9 kilometers off shore and will involve the driving of 205 piles and the installation of approximately 9,500 tonnes of structural steel. John Holland will also construct 2.9 kilometers of jetty conveyor and transfer towers, including all structural, mechanical and electrical works, as part of the contract.

Work on the project is due to commence in August 2008 and is scheduled for completion in May 2010. The project will bring together John Holland's specialist SMP business and Northern Region operation.

Ocean Park has also awarded Leighton Asia a contract for works which will be an integral part of the expansion and redevelopment plan for its Hong Kong theme park. The contract work includes the construction of an entry plaza, aquarium, restaurant and retail facilities plus lagoons and landscaping.

Construction works will involve the fixing of 10, 000 tonnes of reinforcement steel and pouring of 65,000 cubic meters of concrete. Construction will commence in August and it is scheduled to be completed by November 2010.

Pittsburgh Business Times reported that US Steel Corp has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers union on a new labor contract that covers some 16,000 employees at three of its Western Pennsylvania plants. Details of the contract were not released. The current contract expires September 1st 2008.

The local union presidents have approved the proposed contract, which will now be sent to union members for a mail in ballot vote. The contract, which covers US Steel’s flat rolled, tubular and iron ore mining operations includes workers at the Edgar Thomson plant in Braddock, the Clairton coke plant in Clairton and the Irvin plant in West Mifflin.

According to a statement from the United Steelworkers the proposal includes very significant” increases in wages, bonuses and pensions, with improved benefit programs for active and retired employees. It said that “Under the tentative contract, US Steel also would be required to make capital investments in plants to keep mills state of the art and competitive.”

Mr Tom Conway VP of USW said that “There are only improvements. No steps back.”

Mr John Surma CEO of US Steel said “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers on a competitive four year contract well in advance of the expiration of our current contract.”

Birmingham Business Journal reported that ThyssenKrupp has already awarded more than USD 300 million in contracts to Alabama based companies.

Mr Markus Boening CFO and head purchasing agent for steel division of ThyssenKrupp Steel and Stainless USA said that only 20% of the bidding process is complete. He added that "The state gave the company an incentive package worth USD 220 million for the USD 3.7 billion plant, which is expected to employ about 2,700 when complete."

Mr Boening said ThyssenKrupp has awarded between USD 300 million to USD 400 million in contracts to companies based in the state for work on the project, including several companies in Birmingham.

Mr Boening said that as with many elements of the project, contracts are split to provide for the enormous plants. He added that "We have a general problem. Our project is so huge, we have to consider the comfort level contractors can handle. Do they have the resources? Do they have the personnel? Do they have the equipment and financial stability? It's not always easy to find the right sources."

Birmingham's DeShazo Crane Co is the latest local contractor to receive such a nod from the steel maker. It recently was awarded a USD 29 million contract to custom engineer and manufacture 36 overhead bridge cranes to be used in the operations of the steel mill. DeShazo Crane is based in Alabaster, where it has a recently expanded 130,000 square foot manufacturing facility and plans to expand its 160 employees to 180. While 36 cranes is a significant order for DeShazo and the crane manufacturing industry, it's only a portion of the total number of cranes the ThyssenKrupp plants will use.

Mr Guy Mitchell president of Mitchell Industries Inc, holding company of DeShazo, said that winning the contract is a turning point for the company as it expands its operations and beefs up its employment to fill the order and maintain its current clients. He added that "It will take 20 to 25 weeks to make each crane, which will eventually be shipped to Mobile and installed by his DeShazo Service Co. It's a process that will run through the first few months of 2010."

Some local companies working on the plant include BE&K Inc, RaCon Inc, Morris Shea Bridge Co Inc, DeShazo Crane Co, Thompson Engineering from Mobile, Hargrove & Associates Inc, Mactec Inc, which has offices in Mobile, Cives Steel Co.'s Alabama office, Steel City Electric Co's Alabama office, Gulf States Engineering Inc and Bay Security LLC.

Steel makers have long been stuck with an unflattering image. A not so glorious reputation of running smoke belching plants, lobbying their way through regulatory loopholes and working laborers around the clock, but these do not apply to the country's steel giant POSCO.

From management transparency to environmental care, the Pohang based company often, if not always, tops many rankings of corporate image. A poll of 450 college students showed that the majority thought POSCO will best fulfill its corporate social responsibility, ahead of Samsung, KT and SK Energy.

The same survey ranked POSCO as the best company for raising public awareness of the environment, making the company the most sought after employer for the majority of respondents.

Mr Kim Dong wan spokesman of POSCO said that "Corporate social responsibility activities are not just about meeting responsibilities, it's part of our corporate culture.''

POSCO spent KRW 96.5 billion on these CSR activities in 2007, up from KRW 86.3 billion won in 2006. It heavily focuses on nurturing young talent, with almost 75% of its budget for corporate social responsibility allocated for this agenda.

POSCO established the TJ Park Foundation in 2005 to extend its program of supporting next generation leaders. The Asia Fellowships project is one of the foundation's main initiatives, sponsoring outstanding Asian students to conduct Asia studies in Korea for two years.

Aside from the scholarships, POSCO also pays close attention to making significant contributions to where its plants are located Pohang and Gwangyang. It runs free meal centers for senior citizens and the disabled and campaigns to fix aging homes for the needy. POSCO also invites college students nationwide to participate in Habitat for Humanity's home construction projects, building an average of 10 homes per year.

Enugu state government said that it has entered into negotiation with South East Steel Limited in a bid to reactivate Niger Steel Company Limited, which has been comatose for some years now.

AS per report, a partnership agreement between the state government and the management of the steel company is being worked out with technical assistance from the Russian government.

Mr Sullivan Chime governor of Enugu described Niger Steel as the first and one of the oldest steel companies in the country. He added that his government will do everything possible to revive the ailing company.

Mr Chime said that the company when revived would be of immense benefit to the nation's economy in terms of job creation and making steel available in view of its high demand in the country. He added that "We know what Niger Steel stands for. We are ready to renovate the company in partnership with the South East Steel Limited."

VietNamNet Bridge reported that Da Nang authorities have forced the Thanh Loi Steel JS Company to re export 434 tonnes of scrap and rubbish.

As per report, Da Nang examined containers of scrap imported by Thanh Loi and found that all 18 containers contained rusty scrap mixed with impurities, rags, waste paper, plastic bottles, soil, rust and having a foul smell. Six containers have 6.78% impurities while the others have 4.35% impurities.

Mr Nguyen Dieu director of Da Nang department of natural resources & environment said that "Tests reveal that 434 tonnes of scrap imported by Thanh Loi are not toxic waste but they contain many kinds of wastes, including toxic ones. In addition, this batch of scrap was not cleaned before being imported into Vietnam under the Law on Environment Protection so the importer must re export the whole batch."

The Da Nang authorities said that the importer will have to pay a fine of between VND 15 million and VND 70 million under a decree on punishing administrative violations of environmental protection. If the importer doesn’t re export the shipment, the whole batch of scrap will be destroyed at the Khanh Son dumping grown and the importer will bear all expenditures for this task and the firm will be fined a larger amount.

As for the remaining 600 tonnes of the total 1,000 tonnes of scrap that Thanh Loi promised to buy from the Italy based Global Real Estate and Service srl, which is on the way to Da Nang Port, Mr Dieu said that the batch will be cleared if it doesn’t contain toxic waste like the first batch.

JMB reported that Sumitomo Metal Industries and Osaka University started joint study to develop technology for better utilization of obsolete ferrous scrap.

As per report, Sumitomo and Osaka University have already developed technology to add carbon during scrap melting in order to separate iron and copper. They try to develop process for furnace with coke packed bed in 5 to 10 years for the commercialization.

BNamericas reported that the growth pace of the Brazilian manufacturing sector led steel companies to import 1 million tonnes of the product in the first half of 2008. The volume is 59% above the figure reported in the same period last year.

Mr Flávio Roberto Azevedo president of Brazilian Steel Institute said that "A rush for stocks may also have happened due to the increase in international prices."

United States Steel Corporation announced a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers on a new four year labor contract that will cover approximately 16,000 USW represented employees at US Steel's domestic flat rolled and iron ore mining facilities as well as tubular operations at Lorain in Ohio and Fairfield in Alabama.

The tentative agreement will replace the contract expiring September 1st 2008 and remains subject to ratification by the United Steelworkers.

Mr John P Surma chairman & CEO of US Steel said that "We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers on a competitive four year contract well in advance of the expiration of our current contract. We value our ongoing relationship with the USW and appreciate the contributions that our employees make to the success of our business. We believe that this agreement is in the best interests of our company and all of our stakeholders."

OneSteel’s Australian Tube Mill in Acacia Ridge in Brisbane have completed their first improvement project as part of the nationally recognized qualification of ‘Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing’ delivered by excellence coach Mr Peter McGregor of The Improve Group.

Steel pipes, tubes and other products produced to strict Australian Standards for the Australian, New Zealand, South Pacific and South East Asian markets and are manufactured at their Australian facilities in Brisbane, Newcastle and Melbourne.

The focus of the Competitive Manufacturing project was the improvement of quick changeover times across 5 different mill processes. The changeover of mill components for different steel tube products can take between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Australian Tube Mills saw more value in undertaking the quick changeover training to improve their processes and recover any lost downtime that occurred during their 10 tonne per hour steel production process.

Five project teams were let loose with The Improve Group’s Mr Peter McGregor at the helm. Their charter was simple, to identify a changeover opportunity that was achievable within 6 weeks and would reduce the changeover time by 30%.

At Australian Tube Mills’ Acacia Ridge operation, up to 6 coil slitters can be changed in a single shift. Under Mr Peter McGregor’s guidance and coaching, the team planned and improved changeover time by 40% and is aiming to reduce the process even further. A single 10 minute improvement in this area equates to Australian Tube Mills’ production of over 15,000 extra tonnes of slit coil each year.

Mr Peter McGregor said that by documenting and analyzing the current production processes, the course participants were able to capture the presence of process waste and therefore reduce process times. He added that the staff became eager about the changes and became more passionate about the processes. The project planning, analyzing and the results they got opened their eyes to what can be done, what can be improved and what it means to the organization and ultimately to their livelihood.

Mr Albert Baker technical training officer at Australian Tube Mills led his team through this improvement project and has seen the results first hand. He said that "The shop floor operations team is so enthusiastic about the benefits they can see from the coaching received. The training has given them a clear line of sight. They have seen first-hand how it reduces their time and effort and ultimately makes their job easier."

United States Steel Corporation announced that its US Steel Tubular Products Inc subsidiary reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers on a new four year labor contract that will cover approximately 900 USW represented employees at US Steel Tubular Products, Inc's Texas Operations Division, a welded tubular products facility at Lone Star in Texas. The tentative agreement will replace the contract expiring September 1st 2008 and remains subject to ratification by the United Steelworkers.

Mr John P Surma chairman & CEO of US Steel said that "We are pleased that a tentative agreement was reached with the United Steelworkers on a competitive four-year contract for our Texas Operations Division, which became part of our company just over one year ago. This agreement will allow us to build upon the significant progress that has been made to date. We believe that this agreement is in the best interests of our company and all of our stakeholders."

Claymont Steel Inc has announced that the expiration date for its previously announced cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 8.875% senior notes due 2015 has been extended to 5 PM New York City time on August 13th 2008, unless further extended.

Except as set forth above and as previously announced on July 16th 2008, July 24th 2008 and August 1st 2008 all other terms and conditions of the tender offer remain in full force and effect. Consummation of the tender offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including but not limited to a financing condition. Consummation of the tender offer is not conditioned upon receipt of any minimum principal amount of the notes.

RBS Greenwich Capital is acting as dealer manager for the tender offer. The information agent and depositary for the tender offer is DF King & Co Inc. Requests for documentation should be directed to at DF King & Co Inc. Questions regarding the terms of the tender offer should be directed to RBS Greenwich Capital.

The Monitor reported that local scrap processors in Kampala have called on the government to exercise more strict measures on the export of scrap metal to ensure that steel industries have adequate raw materials. Most steel manufacturers use locally sourced metal scraps as input for steel processing.

Mr Dan Muhumuza GM of Shumuk Group of Companies said that scrap processors welcome the ban, which he said was good since it encourages value addition within the country and the region in general. He added that "We want the government to come clear on this matter because we are still not sure of what type of metal scrap trading was suspended."

He said that the local supply of inputs will ensure affordable usage for Ugandans because prices of products will be lower as opposed to when the materials are scarce and imported. He added that "There should not be flexibility in the scrap ban, which would encourage export of scrap. As scrap processors, we request for effective monitoring and implementation of the policy which has always been a challenge in the past."

He said that steel processing industries employ more than 1000 people, meaning that many people will be affected if exports are not restricted. He added that "If export of scrap is not restricted, there will be low supply in the industries, something that will directly and indirectly affect output and reduce employment."

Mr Daudi Migereko energy minister of Uganda said that the government suspended export of scrap metal to guard against vandalism of electrical, railway and water equipment, which was rampant in the region. But he said that dealers in scrap metal will continue trading internally provided they don't engage in illegal activities, allaying fears and complaints raised by sections of dealers that the ban threatens their means of livelihood.

Mr James Kalibbala chairman of Uganda Manufacturer's Association also said that the ban was a move to boost local industries. He added that "It is something that can be processed locally to produce important products."

But the ban has raised outcry from a number of stakeholders especially members of Uganda Scrap Metal Dealers & Exporters Association, with their chairman Mr James Kato saying that more than 2 million jobs were at risk if the ban is held. Mr Kato said that the dealers want to negotiate with the government to lift the ban. He added that "We want the ministers to come out specifically on the type of scrap they have banned."

According to Natural Gas Intelligence, an industry newsletter published by Intelligence Press Inc, the boom in natural gas development in unconventional plays and locations is spurring a corresponding frenzy of new pipeline construction, putting increasing pressure on materials and labor costs.

Mr Rich Kinder CEO of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LLC, which is building the Rockies Express Pipeline, the largest new pipeline project in decades, said that "I think one of the great challenges we and other builders and operators face today is obviously rising construction and material costs."

According to Mr Donald Felsinger CEO of Sempra Energy, estimated costs for the cross country line are continuing to rise with the eastern leg going from an estimated USD 4.4 billion in February 2008 to USD 5.6 billion today. The new numbers have surfaced in second quarter financial