AMNS India to get exemption for met coke
import
India has granted specific exemption on import of
low ash met-coke to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS India) following
changes in sourcing of resource, those in the know said.
AMNS India is a 60:40 joint venture between Arcelor
Mittal and Japan's Nippon Steel.
In fact, AMNS India had moved court in March
pointing out that the import curbs on met coke impacted steel-making. It sought
exemptions for shipments which were in transit before curbs were in place.
However, the petition was subsequently withdrawn on
April 8. The Delhi High Court order read: Learned senior counsel for the
petitioner seeks to withdraw the present petition. The same is, accordingly,
dismissed as withdrawn.
Starting January, India has imposed curbs on low-ash
metallurgical coke or met coke importto be in place till June 30.
Country-specific quotas were announced to help domestic suppliers.
Apparently AMNS India will now be sourcing the met
coke from Poland, sources in the know said.
The company did not respond to queries from
businessline.
Met coke serves as both a reducing agent and a
source of energy. As it reacts with iron ore and reduces the iron oxides. This
reduction process is vital to obtain crude iron, which later undergoes further
refining to produce steel.
Previously, JSW Steel, Sunflag Iron and Steel and
Trafigura India Pvt Ltd had moved court seeking relief against import
restrictions on met coke. The case by JSW Steel was also withdrawn.
Referring to the withdrawal of the case by JSW, the
Delhi High Court on March 6 said: Whilst this Court does not appreciate the
shifting/ambivalent stand of the petitioner, in the aftermath of judgment being
reserved in the matter, in the interest of justice, the petitioner is permitted
to withdraw the present application.
Disposing other writ petitions, the Delhi High court
on March 28 said, that the government (Union of India and Directorate General
of Foreign Trade) should handle defending or explaining their actions.
www.thehindubusinessline.com,
dt. 15-04-2025