Luxemborg, July 17, 2013 – ArcelorMittal has met today with the Government of Odisha’s Chief Secretary to inform him that the company has decided not to progress with its planned construction of an integrated steel plant and a captive power plant in the district of Keonjhar.
ArcelorMittal initially planned to construct a 12 million tonne integrated steel plant in Keonjhar and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha in December 2006.
Since that date, ArcelorMittal has completed important milestones such as the completion of a feasibility report, an environmental impact assessment study and other relevant technical reports, as well as holding eight gram sabhas (public hearings) and investing in a number of CSR projects.
However, unfortunately the project has faced significant external delays. ArcelorMittal has not been able to acquire the requisite land for the steel plant, nor has it been able to ensure captive iron ore security, which is a necessary requirement for the project. Therefore, taking into account the current economic climate, ArcelorMittal has concluded it will no longer be pursuing its plans for a steel plant in Keonjhar at this stage.
This announcement does not affect ArcelorMittal’s plan to pursue its two other Indian projects in Jharkhand and Karnataka.
Vijay Bhatnagar, executive vice president and member of the management committee, CEO of India and China: “Over the last seven years we have invested considerable resources into this project; however, the delays relating to land acquisition and allocation of captive iron ore blocks means this project is no longer viable. Nevertheless, we will continue to pursue our other two projects in Jharkhand and Karnataka, both of which are making steady progress.”
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading integrated steel and mining company, with a presence in more than 60 countries.
ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.
Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment. It takes a leading role in the industry’s efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change.
In 2012, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $84.2 billion and crude steel production of 88.2 million tonnes, representing approximately 6 percent of world steel output.
ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).
For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit: www.arcelormittal.com