AP Minister Reviews Revival Of Visakhapatanam Steel Plant With Captive Mining & Solar Integration

Visakhapatnam, Jul 23 (KNN) Andhra Pradesh Industries, Commerce, and Food Processing Minister T.G. Bharath conducted a comprehensive review of operations at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited–Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL-VSP) on Tuesday, focusing on measures to restore the facility's operational performance to previous levels.

The ministerial visit included detailed discussions with plant directors and senior management officials, who provided a comprehensive presentation outlining the current operational status of the steel manufacturing facility.

The briefing covered various aspects of the plant's recent performance trajectory and production capabilities.

According to official information, RINL-VSP has demonstrated significant operational improvements since September 2024, marking a substantial recovery from earlier operational constraints.

The facility has progressed from operating a single blast furnace during the initial months of the year to achieving full operational capacity across all three furnaces by July 2025.

Minister Bharath expressed confidence in the plant's recovery prospects, stating that the complete operationalisation of Furnace-3 positions the facility to achieve maximum production capacity and return to profitable operations following an extended period of financial losses.

The minister indicated his commitment to addressing critical operational challenges through government intervention.

The minister confirmed plans to discuss the matter of captive mining rights with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during their upcoming meeting, while also committing to pursue the issue through appropriate channels with the Union government.

This initiative aims to secure essential raw material access for sustained operations.

Additionally, Minister Bharath recommended the implementation of renewable energy solutions, specifically solar power systems, alongside the adoption of advanced technological solutions to improve power efficiency metrics and enhance overall production capacity at the steel manufacturing complex.

(KNN Bureau)