Mining chief NMDC and Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) has sign a Memorandum of Understanding to build up a limestone project at Arki in Himachal Pradesh. The planned Rs. 260 crore combined venture will contain 50:50 equity contribution of the two companies. Chatting to newsmen after sign of the MoU, Chairman of NMDC Rana Som supposed, established treasury of the mine for which NMDC has get mining rent is 90 million tones of short silica limestone and 8 million tones of dolomite. He supposed the mines would preceding for about 50 years. Som said that, the combined venture will start manufacture within three years.

SAIL Chairman S.K. Roongta supposed that SAIL wants 1.6 million tones of low silica limestone for its hold units which it obtain from Jaisalmer and from side to side imports. He supposed post growth, SAIL will require 3 million tones and Arki mines will offer 1 million tones. Therefore the project is superior for both the companies.