Is Karnataka Government Setting Up a ₹2,345 Crore Steel Plant in Koppal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government is set to establish a ₹2,345 crore steel plant in Koppal.
- The project is a collaboration between Sumitomo and the Bajaj Group.
- Operations are expected to commence by 2028.
- Sumitomo may also invest in a biomass unit in the region.
- This initiative will enhance Karnataka's manufacturing capabilities.
Bengaluru, Sep 11 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, announced on Thursday that a significant advancement for the state is underway with the establishment of a ₹2,345 crore steel manufacturing facility in Koppal district.
Minister Patil revealed in an official statement, "Sumitomo has confirmed an investment of ₹2,345 crore in a steel production unit in Koppal through Mukand Sumi, a collaboration with the Bajaj Group. The facility is scheduled to commence operations by 2028 and will possess an annual production capacity of 3,50,000 tonnes of iron and steel."
Additionally, the Minister noted that Sumitomo has shown interest in establishing a biomass unit in Karnataka in the near future.
During the third day of the delegation's visit, discussions were held with senior executives from Sumitomo, Yaskawa, and JFE Shoji companies.
Patil also mentioned negotiations with the Japanese firm JFE Shoji regarding the potential revival of the renowned New Government Electrical Factory (NGEF) in Hubballi through state collaboration.
The Minister presented the revival proposition in a meeting with the company's senior officials.
"JFE is leading the way in producing power converters," the Minister stated.
Moreover, he invited senior officials from the company to visit the Hubballi unit for initial discussions about the NGEF revival.
The meeting included prominent participants such as Hiroshi Lijima, General Manager of the Machinery Division, and Hidekasu Yoshioko, Manager of the Electrical Appliances Steel Planning Division, among others.
The company assured the state delegation that a separate ₹400 crore project to manufacture motor cores for battery-powered and electric vehicles (BEVs/EVs) will be initiated shortly.
Yaskawa confirmed its investment in establishing a motion control and variable frequency drives unit in Bengaluru.
The Minister emphasized that this development will fortify Karnataka's status as a hub for advanced manufacturing technologies.
The delegation comprised Selvakumar S., Principal Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Industries, Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, along with other senior officials.