NMDC’s Nagarnar Integrated Steel Plant (NISP), close on the heels of starting commercial production from its first coke oven plant (COB1)(watch here) from 27 October, 2022, is getting ready with its second coke oven plant (COB2) as well, SteelMint learnt from reliable sources.
Heating of the second coke oven started from today, 19 November, 2022. From 45-60 days hence, COB2 will also start producing met coke.
It seems NMDC is keen to commission the plant as soon as possible, and thus heating of COB2 is being done through LPG gas, it is heard, which has higher calorific value and this would allow the oven to reach its requisite temperature faster although NISP has adequate coke oven gas supply at its disposal. A source informed that NISP commissioning could happen in 2-3 months’ time.
Both coke ovens together will have production capacity of 1.76 million tonnes of gross coke per annum. The coking coal requirement will be 2.29 mnt of hard CC plus soft and semi-soft from Australia.
The NISP BF has a capacity of 4,500 cubic metres. To charge a BF of this magnitude, initial coke volumes of 700 kg will be required for making one tonne of crude steel although this will eventually reduce to around 350 kg. That is why NISP has facility for two coke oven plants.
The 3-mntpa NISP, located at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh, is being built at an investment of INR 20,000 crore. The government recently approved the demerger of NISP from NMDC. The demerger is expected to be completed by Q2FY23.
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