The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has recommended environmental clearance for the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) plant located in Nakkapalli, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. This crucial approval was announced by the state government on Saturday.
With a planned capacity of 8.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and an overall investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore, this project stands as India’s largest greenfield steel manufacturing initiative to date. The plant’s development will occur in phases, with the initial phase targeting 8.2 MTPA of integrated steel capacity, and a future expansion planned to reach 24 MTPA. The facility is set to incorporate advanced, energy-efficient, and low-emission technologies that align with global sustainability and carbon management standards.
Once fully operational, the AMNS plant is expected to become a cornerstone industry for the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Corridor. It will foster the growth of steel-dependent downstream industries, machinery production clusters, and robust logistics networks throughout the north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Japan’s Nippon Steel, began its collaboration with the state government in August 2024. The company sought land and policy support to establish a world-class steel manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh, recognizing the state’s rapid industrial growth. The state government efficiently allocated the necessary land within three months and provided single-window clearance, facilitating the swift acquisition of all required statutory and environmental permits.
The state’s proactive approach and efficient project management are highlighted by the fact that all major project approvals have been secured in a remarkable 14 months. Aditya Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal and Managing Director of AMNS, expressed his admiration for the speed and support provided by the Andhra Pradesh government, stating, “Our vision is to create not just a steel plant but a hub for innovation, sustainability, and new employment in India’s steel sector.”
Nara Lokesh, the state’s Minister for Information Technology, emphasized that this project reflects Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to speed, transparency, and governance efficiency. He added, “The AMNS plant will transform the economic landscape of coastal Andhra Pradesh, generate lakhs of jobs, and significantly boost local manufacturing, exports, and skill development.”
The official groundbreaking for the AMNS plant is scheduled during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 14-15, 2025, with numerous global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders in attendance. This project is anticipated to drive substantial infrastructure development in the region, strengthen the Vizag–Anakapalli–Kakinada industrial belt, and solidify India’s standing as a leader in sustainable steel production.