Four companies are competing for the BOT contract, including Germany's Siemensand GEFrance, each with a local bidder, and an unidentified Japanese company. A preferred bidder is due to be selected before the fourth quarter, allowing negotiations to begin on an energy conversion agreement. The consultant on the 350-MW plant is the local Tara Tarh.

Commercial bids have also been opened at KSC for the contract to double direct reduction iron capacity to about 3 million tonnes a year (t/y) through the expansion of Midrex and Zam-zam modules. Five companies are understood to have bid.

KSC is also tendering a contract to expand its meltshop facility, which will see capacity rise to more than 3.2 million t/y from 1.5 million t/y. More than 10 foreign and local companies have bought tender documents for the project.