[Ferro-alloys.com] India’s leading steel and mining public sector undertakings (PSUs) – SAIL, NMDC, and MECON – are set to establish offices in Dubai, as part of a strategic push to explore overseas mineral reserves and expand export markets. According to the Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik, although India produces approximately 151 million tonnes of steel annually, it still imports around 9.5?MT, particularly due to a shortfall in key raw materials like coking coal, manganese, and limestone. This import dependence is further exacerbated by concerns over Chinese dumping and the consequent imposition of safeguard duties.

Dubai has been chosen as the regional hub due to its strategic position and control over much of the African mineral market. The new overseas presence will facilitate India’s efforts in mineral acquisition and help broaden its global steel exports. Gulf nations such as Oman also present potential, particularly with regards to limestone reserves and availability of gas resources suitable for producing direct-reduced iron (DRI) grade steel.

Furthermore, MOIL – India’s manganese ore producer-is preparing to follow suit by setting up its own Dubai office around the same time. Its Chairman & Managing Director, Ajit Kumar Saxena, is expected to travel to Gabon soon to finalise manganese mining prospects. MOIL has already completed due diligence in Gabon and is preparing to sign government-to-government MoUs to pursue exploration and mining activities. Additional opportunities are also being evaluated in South Africa, Australia, and Brazil.

This overseas expansion is part of a broader goal to reduce import dependency, secure supply chains, and enhance self-sufficiency in critical minerals. By 2030, India aims to boost steel production to 300?MT, with capacity potentially rising to 400?MT. The move underscores a strategic shift by Indian PSUs to operate globally, leveraging international partnerships and resource-rich geographies to support long-term industrial growth.

• [Editor:tianyawei]