New Delhi/Ranchi, May 1: Saying that Chiria mines is imperative for meeting steel behemoth SAIL's capacity expansion, a Parliamentary Committee has asked the government to intensify efforts to secure it for SAIL, even as the PSU vowed to fight for its rights on the said mines.

"The Committee strongly recommends with all conviction that the government should deal with the issue of national interest as the highest priority for grant of mineral concession of Chiria iron ore mine to SAIL," the Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings said in its latest report.

Pledging to fight for its right on Chiria, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Chairman S K Roongta said, "We have legitimate claim on Chiria and will fight for our rights. We will take whatever steps are necessary," he told reporters in Ranchi.

Roongta also made a maiden visit to the Chiria mines in Jharkhand's Singhbhum district yesterday and inspected the works at the PSU's Dobhil site.

Roontga said he would seek an appointment with Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda to discuss on the renewal of lease issue and expected a speedy solution to the issue so that the PSU's expansion plans worth Rs 54,000 crore did not get delayed.

"When the steel prices were low four or five years ago nobody showed any interest (for Chiria), but we protected and maintained it. So this should be kept in mind," he argued.

SAIL has been demanding renewal of its 10 leases in Chiria mines.