RINL's forged wheels unit in UP to commence soon

Visakhapatnam: Highlighting commitment to Atma Nirbhar Bharat, CMD of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) Atul Bhatt on Monday said the company's continuous follow-up with the consortium partners led to the stabilisation of production of forged wheels at Forged Wheel Plant at Rae Bareli.

"It gives me happiness to announce that the hot trials for production of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) wheels have been successfully completed and are waiting for clearance from the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) to commence regular production from this month itself.

Addressing after inspecting the I-Day parade at Ukkunagaram, he said RINL started the new FY22 with the challenge of the coal crisis and restrictions in production that are continuing from the end of Jan '22. Optimisation of various processes, better operating practices and use of reclaimed coal from inaccessible areas were implemented to mitigate the coal crisis. As the coking coal stocks were depleting, RINL adopted the optimum production model by operating two BFs (Blast Furnaces), he disclosed.

Pointing out the initiatives and achievements of RINL, Bhatt stated that as a cost saving measure, slime consumption has increased up to an average of 24 per cent in 2022-23 from an average of 21 per cent in 2021-22, PCI rate has been increased to 110 kg/tHM from a level of 100 kg/tHM in 2021-22. "We have also started procuring 58 per cent Fe iron ore mines from Orissa Minerals Development Company Ltd (OMDC) for blending with 64 per cent Fe iron ore fines from National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).

During the period, RINL focused on maximising the percentage of high-end value added steel production in total saleable steel (28 per cent during current FY when compared to 15 per cent in CPLY). To remain in the competitive market, various new grades such as boron steels and chromium steel are being added to the product basket aiming at niche markets. In the first four months of this financial year three new grades and two new sections were developed and the product portfolio was diversified.

Efforts were made to maximise the contribution of available production by focusing on product mix and geo mix. During the period Apr-Jul'22, the company has achieved increased sales of high-end value added steel to 31 per cent of the total domestic sales from a level of 23 per cent in CPLY and the share of sales in high NSR regions (Andhra/South) was increased to 58 per cent from 53 per cent in CPLY (corresponding period last year).

Hot trials for production of LHB wheels have been successfully completed and are waiting for clearance from the RDSO to commence regular production from this month itself

- Atul Bhatt, CMD of RINL