India's Facor Receives Green Light for Major Ferro-Chrome Expansion in Odisha

Vedanta-Ferro Alloy Corporation (Facor), a leading Indian producer, has secured approval from India’s environment ministry to significantly expand its ferro-chrome production capacity at its plant in Odisha state. This expansion is set to more than double the company's current output, with plans to increase production from 145,000 tons per year to 300,000 tons per year by adding two new furnaces at its facility in Bhadrak district.

Facor has obtained all necessary clearances, including environmental permissions, and is targeting completion of the project by 2026. This expansion aligns with India's broader strategy to enhance its ferro-alloy production capabilities, crucial for the steel industry's growth.

In parallel, Vedanta's subsidiary Ferro Alloys reported a 5% increase in chrome ore production, reaching 80,000 tons during the April-June period compared to the same period last year. Notably, ferro-chrome production nearly tripled, soaring from 10,000 tons to 28,000 tons, a growth attributed to improved productivity at its charge chrome plant. However, this increase also reflects the recovery from operational disruptions that occurred in April-June 2023.