Aluminium output to rise four-fold by 2015

Print this page Posted on : 12-02-2010 by recycleinme.com

Our Bureau New Delhi, Dec. 1 The country's aluminium output is expected to see a four-fold growth by 2015 to touch 5 million tonnes from 1.3 million tonnes as primary metal producers such as Nalco and Hindalco expand their capacity, said Mines Minister, Mr B.K. Handique, on Wednesday.

Speaking at a seminar on consultation with stakeholders on Aluminium Mission Plan 2020, Mr Handique said consumption would also touch 5 million tonnes by 2015 and 10 million tonnes by 2020 on rising demand from sectors such as infrastructure, construction and transportation.

The Indian aluminium industry produces about 1.3 million tonnes compared with the world output of 40 million tonnes with a low per capita consumption of 1.3 million kg, Mr Handique said.

Stating that exploitation of aluminium resources has to be guided by long-term national goals and perspectives, Mr Handique said it was necessary to explore new bauxite deposits and develop technologies for using low grade bauxites to meet the growing demand. Further, Mr Handique said a high growth rate for the industry was possible only if the manufacturing costs of alumina, aluminium and aluminium alloys were reduced.

Mining Bill

The Mines Ministry expects to seek Cabinet approval to the new mining Bill in the next two weeks. “The Group of Ministers would meet in a day or two to finalise the draft mining Bill after which we will go the Cabinet,” Mr Handique said. After seeking the Cabinet approval, the Bill would be introduced in Parliament. The Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act 2010 would make it mandatory for the mining firms to share 26 per cent of their annual profits earned at the mine level with people displaced by their projects.

Source : Business Line