ROME, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The Italian state could take over the ILVA steel plant from the current owners, the privately held Riva Group, if environmental and technological upgrades set out by the government are not made, Industry Minister Corrado Passera said on Friday.

'The company could find itself in the situation of losing ownership of the plant' if upgrades are not made, Passera told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer) Keywords: ILVA OWNERSHIP/

(steve.scherer@thomsonreuters.com)(+39-06-8522-4369)

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.