By IANS
Bhubaneswar : London-based global steel magnate Lakshmi N. Mittal Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to set up a 12 million tonne steel project in Orissa during his whirlwind visit of the state.
"We have made a detailed review of the proposed project and satisfied over the progress," Mittal told mediapersons after holding discussion with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the state Secretariat for about two hours.
Indicating that the proposed greenfield venture in mineral-rich Keonjhar district with an estimated $9 billion would be the first in the world by the Arcelor Mittal, he said, "The Orissa project is making faster progress."
The project is estimated to be the second biggest foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country.
"The Orissa chief minister is keen on the Keonjhar project and has assured all support," said Mittal, who was in the state capital on a four-hour whirlwind trip along with his son Aditya.
"We discussed the mining lease, water, land allotment, power and other issues and a lot of work has to be done in this regard," he said, adding, "With the assured support and cooperation of the chief minister, the project would take a highway speed."
Mittal said the detail project report for the plant would be ready by the middle of 2008. It would be set up in two phases of 6 million tonnes each.
Mittal had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Orissa government in December 2006 to set up the mega steel plant over the next five-seven years.