ESL Steel Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited envisions becoming a benchmark in the Indian steel industry for responsible, ESG-centric manufacturing and technological leadership. While making significant strides in community development through its impactful social initiatives, the company is preparing to venture into production of Green Steel. In an interaction with Tube & Pipe India, Mr. Ravish Sharma, Dy. CEO & WTD, ESL Steel Ltd. shared that they are well-positioned to grow further and solidify their standing in the steel sector, with a clear focus on customer satisfaction, digital transformation, and a well-thought-out market approach.

Tube & Pipe India: Kindly share details about your business journey, highlighting major milestones and crucial achievements.

Ravish Sharma: Vedanta Limited is a global diversified company dealing in critical metals and minerals, renewable energy and technology. It is one of the largest mining companies in India, with global mining operations in Australia and Zambia, and oil and gas operations in three countries. It mainly delves into zinc, lead, silver, oil and gas, iron ore, steel, aluminium, technology, renewable energy and power industries, through its various subsidiaries.

ESL Steel Limited (ESL), a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, stands as a pivotal player in India’s iron and steel sector, deeply rooted in the heart of Jharkhand. ESL Steel Limited is a state-of-the-art integrated primary steel manufacturer of high-quality products & steel intermediaries -wire rod (V-WIRRO), TMT rebars (V-XEGA), ductile iron pipe (V-DUCPIPE), billets & pig iron.

The company has got strong footprints and has been supplying its various products in the domestic market across all major sectors thereby facilitating and contributing to the multi-faceted growth of the nation. As a company we have achieved numerous milestones marked by growth, innovation, and purpose. Our Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal believes in nation-building, which is enshrined in Vedanta’s core values, mission and vision. From setting new production benchmarks to launching steel-strong initiatives, ESL Steel Limited has consistently shaped the future of steel with unwavering dedication.

Our commitment towards the communities surrounding us, is reaffirmed by the vision of, ‘From Genesis to Legacy’, wherein our community centric initiatives, driven by a growing awareness of social and environmental issues, aim to create positive impacts across various aspects of life, aligning with the broad vision of catering to every stage of life a human undergoes in a lifetime. Here’s a breakdown of how ESL Steel engages in such initiatives that touch upon different stages of life:

• Improving Maternal and Child Health (Beginnings): Through projects like NandGhar, we took a transformative leap dedicated to benefit rural children and women in India. It is a measure undertaken by Vedanta under the Anil Agarwal Foundation Initiative, which conceptualized as state of the art Anganwadis, wherein children under 6 years of age have access to a safe and stimulating environment for their holistic and optimal development through strengthening of early childhood care, nutrition, health and hygiene, and education services. With over 150 Nandghars in Bokaro, Jharkhand, ESL Steel is instrumental in catering to the early needs of children.
• Education and Holistic Development (Progress): ESL Skill School, with the vision of identifying, nurturing, and training local talent in archery, stands as a beacon of excellence, under Project Prerna. The academy provides a structured training environment for young archers, fostering their growth from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring representation at national level. Ancillary projects like Nirman, Swajal also contribute to community welfare.
• Adulthood and Livelihood (Fulfillment): Jivika project seeks to create sustainable economic and livelihood opportunities for women beneficiaries, fostering self-reliance and increasing household income. Our efforts empowered 2,784 women through Self-Help Groups, fostering financial independence and community leadership. 1,941 youth were trained in industry-relevant skills, achieving an impressive 74.56% job placement rate. The company also supported 500 farmers through enterprise training programs, under the WADI project, resulting in a 100% engagement rate and contributing to increased agricultural productivity.
• Retirement (Legacy): Our Project MACE contributes to healthy ageing and wellness of elderly people, keeping them physically & mentally active, engaging them with different kinds of activities such as physical and online training & learning, events, informative sessions etc. It facilitates healthcare support to elderly people through healthcare camps, special camps, and regular doctor’s visits, in collaboration with Vedanta Cares Field Hospital, under Project Aarogya.

In FY25 alone, we positively impacted over 85,437 lives through initiatives focused on empowerment, skill-building, and sustainable livelihoods. These statistics act as an impetus for us to have an all encompassing range of activities that touch upon various stages of human life, from supporting the health and education of children to promoting sustainable practices for future generations.

Recognized for our dedication to quality, sustainability, and inclusion, we were honoured with the 2025 Happiness & Well-Being Award as one of the Happiest Places to Thrive. Our impactful social initiatives also earned us the Indian CSR Award 2024 for Best Rural Health Care Initiative in the Corporate Category. Furthermore, we achieved several noteworthy milestones, including winning eight Gold Awards at the 31st Chapter Convention on Quality Concepts (CCQC).

On the environmental front, we made significant progress by achieving 100% reutilisation of fly ash and blast furnace slag to reflect our commitment to ensuring a sustainable value chain across all operations. Our dedication to community development was equally strong, with initiatives such as critical road repairs in our operational areas and Project Wadi, which promotes sustainable agriculture and supports rural livelihoods.

TPI: Please give information about your manufacturing plants and annual production capacity catering to the steel sector.

RS: ESL Steel operates a state-of-the-art 1.5 million TPA integrated steel plant located in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand, with 100% production at a single site. This integrated facility includes blast furnace, basic oxygen furnace, coke oven plant, sinter, billet caster, DI pipe plant, rolling mills and power plant. The company is equipped with cutting edge modern machinery for all steel making processes & having its own iron ore mines and coke oven plant, which ensures good quality raw material for its manufacturing processes.

It is also instrumental in driving significant socio-economic growth in the region. The company’s strategic location, with proximity to key resources such as coal and iron ore mines, coupled with dedicated infrastructure, ensures high operational efficiency.

Additionally, we have implemented numerous advanced technical measures to ensure the production of high-quality steel products. For instance, in our coke ovens, stamp charging technology has been adopted to enhance coke strength. The blast furnace operations are fully computer-controlled, equipped with internal top image cameras, temperature flux profiling, and a ropeless stock measurement system. To optimize productivity and reduce production costs, we have integrated high-temperature stoves, a coal dust injection system, and oxygen enrichment technology. Furthermore, specially designed runners and an online slag granulation system are employed to maximize metal yield, simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint significantly.

TPI: Please tell us about your steel-related products basket. Which industries do these products find application in?

RS: At ESL Steel, we manufacture a range of high-quality steel products including TMT bars, Ductile Iron (DI) pipes, wire rods, pig iron, and billets designed to meet the diverse needs of the construction, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

Our TMT bars are produced through a single process that combines work hardening and heat treatment, resulting in superior performance and durability. These bars offer exceptional corrosion resistance with a specialized rib pattern, high strength, excellent ductility, superior seismic resistance, and fire-retardant properties. They are widely used in individual housing projects, infrastructure development, reinforced structures, bridges, flyovers, dams, and high-rise buildings.

Billets, the second-stage product in steel manufacturing, are semi-finished steel bars used as raw material for producing TMT bars and wire rods. Our billets are cast using a 5-strand caster integrated with a basic oxygen furnace and linked to a blast furnace, ensuring consistent quality. They are extensively used in towers, power transmission structures, construction, and general engineering applications.

Wire Rods are long, semi-finished steel products produced through the hot rolling of billets. Known for their high dimensional accuracy and excellent thermo-mechanical properties, our wire rods are free from surface defects and benefit from an advanced cooling system that minimizes scale formation. With low phosphorus and sulphur content, they are ideal for manufacturing industrial wires, fasteners, chain and rivet wires, springs, wire mesh, and various automobile components.

Endeavouring for customer empowerment & governance, through the trailblazing Vedanta Metal Bazaar E-Commerce initiative, ESL Steel has ensured to maintain the highest standards of ease of doing business to facilitate a customer-centric approach via end-to-end order lifecycle management.

TPI: What is your USP that sets you apart from others? How do you manage to stay ahead of the curve in the industry?

RS: At ESL Steel, we are committed to delivering best-in-class steel products and services that consistently meet and exceed customer expectations. Our focus on quality is firm, with rigorous standards upheld at every stage of production, powered by international expertise and sustainable solutions from reputed global partners. We are driven by a spirit of continuous innovation, pushing boundaries in both current operations and future endeavours.

At the heart of ESL Steel are our people and the communities we serve. Empowering individuals and fostering a culture where excellence and empathy go hand in hand is central to our mission. We remain dedicated to transforming lives, uplifting communities, and setting benchmarks in operational excellence, sustainability and inclusive growth. What truly sets us apart is Vedanta’s dynamic culture of empowering young talent. Unlike traditional conglomerates, we promote lifelong learning and encourage continuous upskilling to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

TPI: How are you addressing sustainability and environmental concerns in your production?

RS: As a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, we are taking bold steps toward a greener future. Sustainable development has always been a vital spoke of ESL’s Wheel of Goals. Aligned to Vedanta’s seven pillars, we continuously strive to enhance our contribution to the global sustainability movement by incorporating pragmatic and environmentally friendly alternatives along with ensuring social and environmental compliance.

Our approach towards sustainability is strategized effectively based on the PDCA (plan–do–check–act) cycle intertwined in the fabric of need-based assessment. Being a responsible IMS-certified organization, ESL Steel executes every project with strict sustainability-centric considerations in line with the updated rules and regulations.

Following Vedanta’s structure, an organized Sustainability Assurance Programme known as VSAP has been developed to conduct regular analytic assessments. We are committed to sustainability in energy conservation, recycling, proper treatment and disposal of waste, health and safety practices, employee wellbeing and local community development.

In alignment with the government’s progressive regulatory framework and the increasing global demand for sustainable practices, we are preparing to embark on a transformative journey toward the production of Star-Rated green steel.

In addition to being already categorized as a primary steel producer officially, our forthcoming strategy will focus on innovation, environmental stewardship, and long-term competitiveness in the evolving steel industry. Our future green steel initiative will be anchored on the following key pillars:

• Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) Technology Deployment: We plan to implement this advanced technology to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency in our coke-making operations—an essential step toward low-carbon steel production.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): We are actively exploring solutions to manage and repurpose CO₂ emissions, contributing to our broader decarbonization objectives.
• Integration of Renewable Energy: Aiming for 70% renewable energy usage by 2030, we will work toward embedding clean energy into our operations as a core component of our sustainability roadmap.
• Green Hydrogen Trials: As we look ahead, trials with green hydrogen—an alternative to fossil fuels—will form a key part of our low-emission energy strategy.
• Decarbonizing Transportation: By 2030, we aim to fully transition our light motor vehicle (LMV) fleet to low-emission alternatives, contributing to a cleaner logistics footprint.
• Expansion of Gas-Based DRI (Direct Reduced Iron): Looking to the future, we plan to scale up the use of gas-based DRI—a more sustainable and less carbon-intensive method of steel production.

This integrated approach, anchored in the adoption of breakthrough technologies like CDQ and green hydrogen, not only ensures regulatory compliance but also positions us as a leader in the global transition to sustainable steelmaking.

With a group philosophy of ‘Zero Harm, Zero Discharge & Zero Waste’, we have developed the Vedanta sustainability framework with the standards of internationally recognized institutions such as ICMM, IFC, OECS, UNEP etc. Our framework covers four crucial areas; governance, environment, health & safety and social performance. We have also engaged an independent, external consultant for periodic reviews to measure the effectiveness and implementation of our program.

TPI: Shed light on your recent developments. Where do you see yourself five years down the line?

RS: At ESL Steel, we continue to evolve through innovation, operational excellence, and a strong focus on sustainability and community impact. We have achieved significant milestones across quality, environment, and social development. We received several prestigious accolades, showcasing the dedication, hard work, and collective excellence of the entire team. The company was honoured with the ‘Happy Place to Thrive Award 2023’ by ET HR World, recognized as Best in Large & Gen Y at the W.E. Global Awards, and received the CII Award for Excellence in Women in STEM. ESL Steel also earned a Star-Rated Memento at the ENCON Awards and the ‘Excellence Award for TMT Supply at Samvaad 4.0, presented by the Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Steel.

Furthermore, the company made significant strides in community development through its impactful social initiatives. Over 2,784 women were empowered through Self-Help Groups (SHG), fostering financial independence and community leadership. Simultaneously, 1,941 youth were trained in industry-relevant skills, achieving an impressive 74.56% job placement rate. The company also supported 500 farmers through enterprise training programs, resulting in a 100% engagement rate and contributing to increased agricultural productivity. Additionally, 50 young athletes are being groomed to represent at state and national levels.

Over the next five years, we visualise ESL becoming a benchmark in the Indian steel industry for responsible, ESG-centric manufacturing and technological leadership. We aim to expand our capacity, further reduce our carbon footprint, and deepen our engagement with the communities we serve. Our focus will remain on empowering talent, fostering innovation, and delivering value to all stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to India’s infrastructure and economic development journey, thus furthering our Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwals’s vision of nation building.

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TPI: What trends do you see shaping the future of the metal industry?

RS: Globally, the metal industry is undergoing a major transformation, influenced by emerging trends focused on sustainability and technological innovation. As India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy, we anticipate a substantial boost in the manufacturing, infrastructure, and engineering sectors. This growth will naturally accelerate demand within the metal and steel industries.

Although, it must be noted that in recent times, there has been a shift toward more sustainable manufacturing practices. With rising consumer awareness and preference for eco-friendly products, sustainable steel has come to the forefront.

Some of the measures that companies are implementing range from using energy-efficient electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which use electric currents to melt recycled or scrap metal, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional coal-fired blast furnaces. The concept of green steel produced with minimal or zero carbon emissions, often through EAFs or hydrogen-based technologies is also gaining momentum globally.

Looking ahead, we expect manufacturers to continue integrating transformative technologies, leading to the rise of smart factories that prioritize innovation and environmental responsibility.

TPI: Tell us about your local and international market footprint. How do you plan to enhance your business presence in India as well as at the global level?

RS: ESL Steel has emerged as a key player in the steel industry, offering a wide range of products including TMT bars, wire rods, DI pipes, billets, and pig iron. With a strong foothold across sectors like construction, infrastructure, automotive, engineering, and machinery, the company plays a vital role in nation-building and strengthening India’s self-reliance. Given the strong domestic demand and ongoing global uncertainties, ESL Steel has strategically chosen to prioritize the Indian market. This move allows the company to leverage local opportunities and respond effectively to the country’s growing steel needs.

Although exports currently make up less than 2% of its overall business, ESL Steel continues to maintain a global footprint with targeted exports to regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Europe, the USA, MENA, and JKT. This diversified export strategy enables the company to remain agile amid changing global demand patterns.
At the core of ESL Steel’s operations is a strong customer-first philosophy. The company’s teams work closely with clients to understand their requirements and deliver customized solutions. This approach is further strengthened by digital advancements like the Vedanta Metal Bazaar portal, an integrated digital platform designed to simplify customer interactions and enhance transparency. With a clear focus on customer satisfaction, digital transformation, and a well-thought-out market approach, we are well-positioned to grow further and solidify our standing in the steel sector.