Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (“LMEL”) today announced the successful commissioning of its 360,000 tonnes per annum (360 KTPA) sponge iron plant at Ghugus, Maharashtra. The first of the two kilns has been fired and operations are now being scaled up in a phased manner. Executed on a turnkey basis by Lloyds Engineering Works Limited, the project was completed in record time following the receipt of Environmental Clearance in February 2024.
This commissioning represents the third major facility operationalised by LMEL in the current fiscal year, following the inauguration of its 85 km slurry pipeline and 4 MTPA pellet plant. With the addition of the Ghugus facility, LMEL’s total installed sponge iron capacity now stands at 700 KTPA, further strengthening the company’s integrated steelmaking value chain. Strategically located, the plant will ensure efficient captive utilisation of LMEL’s mined iron ore and support enhanced operational synergies.
Commenting on the milestone, Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals, said “Commissioning the Ghugus plant in just over 18 months from securing environmental clearance reflects the strength of our internal planning and execution capabilities. For us, timely execution is not only about operational achievement—it is a strategic advantage that accelerates monetisation, enhances efficiency, and drives long-term value creation.”
This achievement underscores LMEL’s ability to deliver complex, capital-intensive projects on schedule, improving operational readiness and capital efficiency. The company continues to expand its project pipeline with a disciplined approach, aligned with its vision to be among India’s most efficient and cost-competitive steel producers.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL) is an Indian company primarily engaged in the business of iron and steel, with a strong focus on mining, sponge iron, and power generation. Headquartered in Maharashtra, the company has established itself as a key player in the iron ore mining sector, operating large-scale mines and integrated steel manufacturing facilities.
Its operations span across mining iron ore, producing sponge iron, and generating captive power, enabling it to maintain a competitive edge in the steel value chain. In recent years, Lloyds Metals has been expanding its mining capacity and strengthening its backward integration to ensure consistent raw material supply for its steel operations. The company is also increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and efficiency improvements to meet the rising demand for steel in India’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
