Bhubaneswar: The Marketing Department of Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Rourkela Steel Plant has posted its highest-ever revenue performance, collecting around Rs 3,325 crore and setting a new benchmark for the public sector steel major.
The record-breaking figure was driven by a combination of strategic sales planning and improved operational efficiencies, with strong growth recorded across key product segments in comparison to the previous financial year. Iron and steel led the surge, contributing Rs 466 crore – marking a sharp 39% increase.
Coal chemical items added Rs 386 crore with an 8% rise, while waste products generated Rs 298 crore, up 7%. The Special Plate Plant segment also maintained steady growth, contributing Rs 301 crore, according to an official release.
A series of process-led reforms played a crucial role in this performance. The department fully transitioned to paperless operations and completed the digitalisation of mine marketing functions within the SAP system, significantly improving workflow efficiency and transparency. In addition, innovative monetisation strategies helped unlock value from by-products, including a record Rs 51 crore revenue from BOF slag sales.
Notably, the price realisation for LD sludge – a by-product of the steelmaking process – witnessed a substantial jump, rising from Rs 335 per tonne to Rs 1,122 per tonne, a 235% increase. This shift underlined the plant’s focus on maximising returns from process waste through better market positioning.
The department also demonstrated agility in handling logistical constraints. Faced with acute rake shortages, it managed to clear excess blast furnace granulated slag within a span of two to three months, averting a potential operational bottleneck.
The milestone underscores Rourkela Steel Plant’s growing strength in market-driven operations and its ability to align sustainability with profitability, reinforcing its position within SAIL’s overall business strategy.
