By Bizodisha Bureau, Angual, May 27, 2017 : Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday dedicated Jindal Steel & Power Ltd [JSPL]’s six million ton per annum capacity – the biggest integrated steel plant in the state, to the nation.

The plant became operational with the commissioning of the country’s largest blast furnace.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said it would provide direct employment to around 30,000 people and indirect jobs to many others.

JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal said the plant was set up at an investment of about Rs 33,000 crore and it would enable the company to overcome its loss following cancellation of its coal block in 2014.

He said JSPL would start earning and play significant role in the development of the state.

The plant with its 4,554 cubic meter blast furnace will make Odisha the fourth largest steel maker in the country. With this, JSPL also becomes the first company to complete this mega steel project as per its commitment in the memorandum of understanding with the government of Odisha.

The company had installed two mtpa steel making capacity at its Angul steel complex in 2015 with Coal Gasification – DRI route, which is being used for the first time in the world. Later it further added four mtpa steel making capacity.

The Angul steel complex has also four mtpa sinter plant, two mtpa coke oven, three mtpa steel melting shop, 1.2 mtpa plate mill, 1.4 mtpa bar mill and a 810 mw captive power plant.

In 2005, JSPL had signed an MoU with the Odisha government to build the mega steel plant. JSPL’s overall capacity of steel production has been enhanced to 10.75 mtpa, company sources said.