Future.Steel 2.0 brought together policymakers, industry captains, and solution providers to envision the roadmap for India's steel sector, in light of the 2030. With India targeting 300 MnT of steel capacity by the end of the decade, the role of raw materials is now more strategic than ever.
Quesrow Research & Strategy Co. was invited to lead the discussion on evolving raw material dynamics, particularly for the Southern Indian steel cluster a region poised for high growth, innovation, and transformation.
What We Presented
Representing Quesrow, Christi S Mathai delivered the context setting keynote for the panel discussion titled "Evolution of Raw Material Requirements by 2030: Iron Ore, Coal & DRI." The presentation offered a detailed roadmap of India’s raw material supply-demand shifts and regional nuances in the South, where Quesrow has significant on-ground engagement.
Key themes covered included:
Indian Steel Sector Outlook
India's crude steel capacity is projected to rise from 205 MnT in FY’25 to 277 MnT by FY’30, with South India contributing 21% of the national capacity.
Karnataka remains the region’s stronghold with over half the South’s steel capacity.
Material Demand Projections by FY2030
Iron ore demand to grow from 256 MnT to 360 MnT
DRI feedstock demand to increase by 18%
Non-coking coal to grow by 22%
Despite policy pushes toward scrap, ore-based steelmaking will continue to dominate
Iron Ore & DRI Deep Dive
Southern states hold 37% of India’s iron ore reserves, led by Karnataka's high magnetite potential.
India’s DRI capacity, currently at 67 MnT, is set to expand to 83 MnT by FY’30, with gas-based and clean-tech DRI units emerging across the South and West.
Coal Dynamics
India is the 2nd largest importer of seaborne metallurgical coal, with rising dependency on PHCC and HCC grades.
Southern ports like Krishnapatnam, Visakhapatnam, and Tuticorin play a critical role in non-coking coal import logistics, especially for power and steel sectors.
