ArcelorMittal now eyes Chhattisgarh

After Karnataka, the steel giant ArcelorMittal has set its eyes on the mineral-rich Chhattisgarh for setting up a steel plant.

This comes in the wake of the company facing problems in acquiring land and regulatory hurdles to give shape to its proposed Rs 1-lakh crore projects in Jharkhand and Orissa.

"Yes, they have. We will welcome and act as a facilitator for every investor (company) in the state," Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh told PTI when asked if ArcelorMittal has approached his government with a mega investment plan.

Late last week, the billionaire LN Mittal-led company had approached Karnataka for setting up a Rs 30,000-crore steel plant.

The company also confirmed that it is in talks with other states for additional sites. "While we remain committed to our proposed projects in Orissa and Jharkhand. ArcelorMittal is in dialogue with other states for additional sites. We will be happy to share more information on specific initiatives as and when they materialise," an ArcelorMittal spokesperson said.

The spokesperson, however, refused to divulge details on the quantum of investment or the plant capacity.

However, both these proposals are in addition to its already proposed Rs 1-lakh crore investment plans in Jharkhand and Orissa, according to company sources.

"Whichever company abides by our conditions (can come to the state). Companies will come to Chhattisgarh due to the opportunity it provides to them," Raman said, after meeting Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal here today.