NEW YORK — Metallurgical coal producer SunCoke Energy Inc. and Indian steelmaker Visa Steel Ltd. have launched a joint-venture coke plant in India to serve local steel producers’ growing need for raw materials.
The venture, Visa SunCoke Ltd., will consist of a 400,000-tonne-per-year heat-recovery coke plant and associated steam-generation units. It will be located in the southeastern town of Kalinganagar in Odisha state.
Lisle, Ill.-based SunCoke Energy has invested 3.68 billion rupees ($67.9 million) and holds a 49-percent interest in the plant. Kolkata-based Visa Steel holds the other 51 percent.
“As infrastructure, housing and transportation needs accelerate in India, local steelmaking companies will require high-quality coke, and Visa SunCoke is prepared to be their supplier of choice,” Visa Steel chairman Vishambhar Saran said.
“The coke industry in India is a key market that offers attractive growth opportunities, and we believe that Visa SunCoke is well-positioned to grow its coke business and become an industry leader,” he added.
A version of this article was first published by AMM sister publication Steel First.