Kaliapani was one of the remotest of places in India located in the deep jungles of Orissa and inhabitated by tribals and wildlife. However, this place has huge Chrome ore deposits which were not being processed and enriched to commercial grade due to difficult working conditions that prevailed in the area. In 1988 Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) decided to take up this challenge by setting up a chrome ore beneficiation plant.

HDO was awarded the complete EPC (including civil) contract and executed their first turnkey project in the Minerals division. The project comprised of:

• Ore crushing plant
• Storage section
• Concentration system
• Tailings handling and water recycle system
• Product dewatering and handling system

HDO was the only contractor employed by the client and was responsible for setting up complete plant; right from ore entry to final product concentrate. About 200 people, including 35 HDO supervisors, worked at site to make commissioning possible. The erection of the plant was halted in between for 2 years due to power shortages from client’s side. The client later invested in DG sets to solve this problem. The site was remobilized and subsequently commissioned successfully in 1995.

A performance guarantee test was conducted successfully demonstrating the agreed process performance parameters.

Accomplishments:

• Successfully completed HDO’s first EPC project in the mineral sector.
• First project where HDO was responsible for the entire mineral beneficiation plant.
• In spite of huge client delays and lack of basic infrastructure, HDO persevered through the entire project life cycle and successfully delivered the project. The client appreciated HDO’s professionalism and commitment towards its clients.
• Smooth settlement of extra claims payment at the end of the project due to good working relationship established with the client. This is a rare feat in the Indian industry.