Lloyds Metals Achieves India's Largest Iron Ore Mine Status

Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL) has received environmental clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (IA Division), Government of India, on June 25, 2025, to expand its iron ore mining capacity to 55 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This approval marks a significant milestone, establishing LMEL’s operation as the largest iron ore mine in India and strengthening raw material security for the country’s growing steel industry.

The expanded capacity is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the burgeoning steel ecosystem in Gadchiroli, where regional steel production is steadily increasing. LMEL’s mine will serve as a key enabler for downstream steel industries in the area.

Under its phased mining roadmap, LMEL plans an initial extraction of up to 26 MTPA of hematite (Direct Sales Ore), followed by a ramp-up to 55 MTPA that will include up to 45 million tonnes of banded hematite quartzite (BHQ). As part of its long-term strategy, LMEL will gradually replace hematite DSO with beneficiated ore, supported by the commissioning of advanced beneficiation plants.

The project incorporates a strong focus on sustainability, employing battery-operated HEMMs, electric machinery, LNG-fueled vehicles, and renewable energy sources. A pilot 5 TPH beneficiation plant at Hedri has delivered encouraging results—achieving over 66% Fe content and more than 35% yield—laying the groundwork for a full-scale beneficiation complex.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.