* Being the third largest energy consuming country in the world, there is always increased demand for power and electricity in the country, and hence the surge in demand for coal.
* Demand for steel is likely to grow by ~10% as the government’s augmented focus on infrastructural development continues with increased construction of roads, railways, airports, etc.
* India has set the targets of achieving a total crude steel capacity of 300 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) and total crude steel demand/production of 255 MTPA by FY31.
* The demand of zinc is expected to double in India in the next five to 10 years on the back of huge investments in infrastructure sector, including steel, International Zinc Association.
* In January 2025, the Ministry of Steel has introduced the PLI Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel, covering five product categories, which aligns with the existing PLI Scheme. This initiative aims to encourage greater participation in response to industry requests for relaxation. The PLI Scheme 1.1 will be open for applications from January 6 to January 31, 2025, and will be implemented from FY26 to FY30.
* Under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel, 57 MoUs with 27 companies have been signed, attracting investments of US$ 3.55 billion (Rs. 29,500 crores), creating an additional capacity of 25 MT and generating employment for 17,000 people by FY 2027-28. As of December 2023, companies have invested US$ 1.55 billion (Rs. 12,900 crores), with an expected investment of US$ 360 million (Rs. 3,000 crores) in FY24. Five units have already commenced production, and nine more are set to begin operations in the last quarter of FY24.
* Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 enabled captive mines owners (other than atomic minerals) to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral (including coal) production in the open market.
* In December 2023, the Ministry of Mines proposed capping performance security and upfront amounts for mining critical minerals to attract more bidders, reduce barriers to participation in auctions and expedite the process for mining leases.
* India holds a fair advantage in cost of production and conversion costs in steel and alumina.
* As of FY22, the number of reporting mines in India were estimated at 1,319, of which reporting mines for metallic minerals were estimated at 545 and non-metallic minerals at 775.
* India is the second-largest crude steel producer in the world.
* India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, 3rd largest lime producer and 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
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