Technology selection for RSB’s Rs 6,800 cr aluminium project

RSB Group, a leading manufacturer of engineering and automotive components, hopes to complete the technology selection process for its proposed Rs 6,800 crore integrated aluminium complex in Orissa in next couple of months.

 

The company is in discussion with Chinese, Canadian and French companies in this regard and the technology selection will be frozen soon. While finalisation of EPC contract is in advanced stage, the traffic clearance from the railways is expected soon, company sources said.

 

The company is in the process of applying for power connectivity and the state-owned nodal agency, Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation (Ipicol) has recommended for allotment of 54 cusecs of water to the project. RSB group has also started discussion with both domestic and the foreign partners to achieve financial closure by June 2010.

 

The Orissa government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the RSB group for establishment of an integrated aluminum project in the state in December 2008. The first phase of the project consisting of 0.7 million tonne per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery at Raygada, 0.175 mtpa aluminium smelter, 450 Mw captive power plant (CPP) at Muktapasi near Kamakshya Nagar in Dhenkanal district, envisages an investment of about Rs 6,800 crore. This phase also includes setting up of an aluminium downstream park and production of 0.2 mtpa special grade alumina. The company intends to seek special economic zone (SEZ) status for the proposed downstream park. Meanwhile, the land for the project has been identified and the basic survey work like mapping is going on.

 

The company has sought 2500 acres for the aluminium smelter and CPP at Muktapasi and 1500 acres for alumina refinery at Raygada. Besides, the land requirement for the proposed aluminium downstream park is pegged at 1000 acres. The company is hopeful of getting the government portion of the required land by January 2010.The process of acquisition of the entire land is likely to be completed towards September-October 2010.