~ Sets a new national benchmark in metallurgical coke production without major overhaul ~
Bengaluru, July 18, 2025: Tata Steel’s Hooghly Met Coke (HMC) Division in Haldia has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first-ever non-recovery coke-making unit in India to produce 25 million tonnes of coke in a single campaign life – without undergoing any major repair. This landmark achievement was recorded on June 29, 2025, reinforcing the Company’s reputation for operational excellence and resilience.
Commissioned over 17 years ago, HMC is Asia’s largest standalone coke plant with a production capacity of 1.6 million tonnes per annum. Uniquely designed without a by-product recovery unit, the plant efficiently utilises 100% of its flue gas to generate 120 MW of power, contributing to Tata Steel’s sustainable operations.
Chaitanya Bhanu, Vice President – Operations, Tata Steel Jamshedpur, said: “As the first non-recovery coke making unit in India to cross 25 million tonnes, HMC’s uninterrupted operations for nearly two decades is a testament to Tata Steel’s ability to maximise asset life and manage processes with unmatched efficiency.”
Despite challenges like annual heavy monsoons, corrosive saline conditions, and cyclonic impacts, the HMC team has consistently delivered high-quality metallurgical coke to Tata Steel’s blast furnaces. Through a combination of indigenous innovations and process optimisation, HMC has enhanced its efficiency and output over the years.
This historic accomplishment is a true reflection of Tata Steel’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and excellence in the iron-making process. The focus remains on sustainable growth, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and maintaining leadership in the global non-recovery heat recovery (NRHR) coke making industry.
Note
A non-recovery coke making unit combusts coke oven gas and other by-products within the oven itself to generate heat for the coking process. This eliminates the need for separate by-product recovery and associated infrastructure, making it more environment friendly than traditional by-product coke ovens.
