The Micro Pellet Plant, the first of its kind in SAIL, has been established on a Construct, Operate and Maintain (COM) basis by M/s Shri Jagannath Steels & Power Ltd. The project has been set up with the objective of converting waste fines generated during the steelmaking process into value-added micro pellets for use in RSP’s sinter plants, thereby promoting circular economy and environmental sustainability and was commissioned ahead of targeted schedule.

Notably, the plant will process waste fines such as SMS and Blast Furnace sludges, ESP and bag filter dust, and other micron-sized iron-bearing materials that have accumulated over the years. Through a specialized agglomeration process, these materials will be converted into micro pellets of 1–6 mm size, making them suitable for utilization in the sinter making process.

The commissioning of the facility marks a major milestone in RSP’s journey towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable operations. Besides mitigating environmental concerns associated with waste disposal, the plant will enable recovery and reuse of valuable constituents such as iron (Fe), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO), thereby reducing raw material consumption and enhancing overall process efficiency.

The Centre for Engineering & Technology (CET), Ranchi, served as the consultant for the project.

During the year 2025-26, the Oxygen Plant achieved substantial revenue generation through the sale of liquid gases to outside agencies. A total of 712 tons of Liquid Argon was sold, generating revenue of Rs. 3.62 crore. Additionally, the sale of 419 tons of Liquid Nitrogen earned Rs. 11.75 lakh.

In a significant technical accomplishment, the Wet Air Inlet Valve of Molecular Sieve Bed-A in ASU-III was replaced for the first time using in-house resources ensuring quicker turnaround time for critical maintenance.

The Oxygen Plant played a key role in facilitating the commissioning of Caster-4 at SMS-II, by successfully executing interconnection jobs for supply lines of essential gases and utilities. Interconnections were established for Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon, Propane and Compressed Air, ensuring seamless integration and readiness of the new caster unit.

Strengthening statutory compliance and safety preparedness, the Oxygen Plant achieved another landmark by obtaining three Fire Safety Certificates from the Odisha Fire Services for the first time. The certifications were secured for Propane Plant-2, Propane Plant-3 and ASU-I, ASU-II & ASU-III, reflecting the department’s proactive approach towards safety systems and regulatory adherence.

Oxygen and other industrial gases form the lifeline of modern steelmaking, playing a crucial role in converters, continuous casting, cutting operations and various utility services. With its impressive performance in revenue generation, technical maintenance excellence, strategic project facilitation and safety certification, the Oxygen Plant of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant has made a strong contribution towards improved efficiency and sustainable operations during FY 2025-26.