Having done the required scientific tests, state-run miner NMDC is ready to invest Rs 150 crore to build a 0.36-million-tonne (mn t) a year mini-beneficiation plant.
 
 The proposed plant is one of the first of its kind in the country as it is based on the optimum process flow sheet developed at its R&D centre. The plant is meant to process low-grade iron ores. NMDC has already done laboratory and pilot tests to beneficiate two specific low iron content ores – BHJ and BHQ — available in its Donimalai mines in Karnataka.
 
 Dwindling of high grade ores has forced Indian iron ore miners to use low grade ores containing 30-40 per cent Fe and high impurities such as alumina and silica.
 
  Based on the experience at Donimalai, NMDC has also proposed to set up similar facility at Bailadila in Chhattisgarh.
 
 Tata Steel has already initiated lab scale work, particularly to address lower varieties of BHJ/BHQ containing 40-45 per cent Fe.
 
 JSW Steel has recently set up a full-fledged laboratory to scale iron ore beneficiation facilities. Based on the lab scale results, the company is in the process of setting up a pilot scale plant.