Coking coal and iron ore almost threaten to become stumbling blocks to India’s achieving its 300 million tons of installed steel capacity by 2025. Though the country has a reservoir of both resources, policy issues, ethics, lack of technology and global dynamics have all combined to keep these two key inputs at arms’ length from the steel mills. However, all hope does not seem to be lost – while the Jharia master plan may raise coking coal output to 100 mt, the government is weighing options to loosen up fresh iron ore resources. Steel Insights explores the scenario The issue also focuses on Sharad Mahendra, Senior VP, Sales, Flat Products, JSW Steel, who says the way forward for the company is consolidation, apart from the slew of trade issues irking the sector. Also find the regular sections on coking coal prices, ferro alloys and corporates.