India-based Sarda Energy & Minerals’ iron ore pellet production fell by 28pc to 144,000mt in first quarter of fiscal year 2020-21 compared to the prior year. Sales declined by 38pc to 77,000mt in the quarter.
The company claims that its pellet production was impacted at Raipur and Vizag plants due to COVID-19 lockdown till mid-April. Following partial easing of the lockdown, operation resumed with lower capacity and ramped gradually.
Sponge iron output down by 44pc
The company’s sponge iron production decreased by 44pc to 46,000mt in Q1 (April-June) compared to prior year and sales fell by 30pc to 23,000mt.
Wire rod sales fell by 46pc
The company’s wire rod production decreased by 44pc to 22,000mt in Q1 compared to prior year and sales volume fell by 46pc to 18,000mt in the quarter.
Ferro alloy output fell by 10pc
Ferro alloys production fell by 10pc to 27,000mt in Q1 in 2020 compared to prior year, and sales volume fell by 9pc to 27,000mt.
Sarda Energy & Minerals is an integrated steel producer of long steel products based in Raipur in central India, with an iron ore production capacity of 600,000mt, billet at 156,000mt and wire rod at 118,000mt.