India: SAIL’s iron ore e-auction sales remain largely stable m-o-m in Sept’26

• Bolani leads sales, supported by higher fines and dump fines volumes
• Barsua sales stable on higher tailings and fresh fines offtake

Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) sold 472,270 tonnes (t) of iron ore through e-auctions in September 2026, against 496,030 t offered, according to BigMint data. Total sales increased marginally by 1% m-o-m from 468,090 t in August, despite lower overall offerings, indicating relatively stable auction offtake.

Bolani sales rise on higher fines volumes

Bolani remained the largest contributor to SAIL’s auction sales, with volumes increasing to 344,000 t (364,000 t offered) in September from 336,000 t in August. Fresh fines sales rose to 120,000 t from 92,000 t, while dump fines sales increased to around 96,000 t from 40,000 t in the previous month. The increase in fines offtake supported overall sales, although CLO sales declined to 128,000 t from 204,000 t in August, limiting further growth. The shift in sales composition indicates stronger offtake of fines compared with lump ore during the month.

Barsua sales remain largely stable

Barsua sold 103,980 t against the same volume offered in September, broadly unchanged from 104,020 t sold in August. CLO sales remained steady at 32,000 t, while tailings sales increased to 72,020 t from 39,980 t in the previous month. Fresh fines sales also recovered to around 32,000 t, compared with no sales in August. Higher tailings and fresh fines offtake helped offset the lack of growth in overall sales, suggesting improved clearance of these grades.

Kalta sales decline amid lower dump fines offtake

Kalta recorded sales of 24,290 t against 28,050 t offered in September, down from 28,070 t of dump fines sold in August. The decline indicates weaker auction offtake during the month, although the available data does not establish a specific reason for the lower sales.

Outlook

SAIL’s iron ore auction sales are expected to remain on the slightly lower side amid cautious procurement and subdued demand for certain grades, with offtake depending on auction prices and prevailing steel market conditions.