Indian Steel Ministry releases National Steel Policy 2017

NEW DELHI (Scrap Monster): The Indian Ministry of Steel has released draft National Steel Policy (NSP). The draft steel policy is open to suggestions by stakeholders until January 23^rd, 2017.

According to NSP, India was the only large economy in the world where steel demand continued to demonstrate positive growth at 5.3 % in 2015. The fast growing infrastructure and manufacturing sectors suggest that the steel demand is likely to remain robust in the forthcoming years. The steel industry will likely play a crucial role in transforming the country to a developed nation.

The Indian steel industry has significant potential for growth. The per capita steel consumption in the country stands at 61 kilograms, much lower when compared with the global average of 208 kilograms. The per capita steel demand in India is likely to reach 160 kilograms by 2030-’31. Currently, construction and infrastructure sectors account for 40% of total steel consumption by the country. This is expected to increase to 59% by 2030-’31.

At the current rate of GDP growth, the steel demand will grow three-folds over the next fifteen years to touch 212-247 million tonnes by 2030-’31. Increased government spending in infrastructure development, expansion of railway networks, the revival in domestic shipbuilding sector, private participation in defense sector and anticipated growth in automobile and construction industry is expected to boost steel demand in the country.

The report predicts annual crude steel capacity to touch 300 million tonnes (MT) in 2030-’31. The above target could be achieved only through extensive mobilization of natural resources, finances, manpower and infrastructure. It requires creation of additional capacity, which in turn require significant capital investment of around Rs 10 lakh crores by 2030-’31. This will generate additional 11 lakhs of job opportunities.

The projected growth of the steel industry could be achieved only with availability of raw materials at highly competitive rates. The government has already come up with a new Act to ensure time bound mine development. The Act is expected to bring more clarity on mine allocation process and the procedures for renewal of existing mining leases. The Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines will develop new formalities to ensure adequate availability of iron ore and other minerals.

The draft policy proposes to promote scrap based steelmaking technologies. To this effect, efforts will be made to increase the availability of scrap. The ministry will co-ordinate with all stakeholders in developing a scrap segregation, collection, processing and recycling policy. Modern steel shredding plants will be promoted to ensure that good quality scrap materials are made available to steel scrap processing units. Coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Power will ensure availability of adequate power supply to the sector. The power requirement by the industry is expected to increase to nearly 28,000 MW by 2030-’31.

India remained a net importer of steel during 2015-’16, mainly on account of significant decline in global steel demand and excess capacities in other major steelmaking countries such as China. It must be noted that India was a net exporter of steel in 2013-’14. The draft policy proposes to develop export market for Indian steel products by targeting those overseas markets where steel demand is expected to grow. In addition, efforts must be made to lift trade sanctions imposed by certain world countries on imports of Indian steel products.