National aluminium policy needed to strengthen output: Nalco CMD

Aluminium Association of India (AAI) has underscored the need for a national aluminium policy to propel the country towards a production of 10 million tonnes per annum.

T K Chand, AAI President and Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) at National Aluminium Company (Nalco), said 75 per cent of the envisaged production (10 million tonnes) should be in the downstream sector. 

“Existing aluminium application is only 300 in India as against 3,000 globally. India needs to double its per capita consumption, increase applications of aluminium and go for 75 per cent value addition," Chand said at the annual national convention of aluminium in Bengaluru.

Chand emphasized the scope of the aluminium industry to generate employment. "Aluminium industry has the potential to provide additional 1.2 million employment at 10 million production stage,’’ he added.

The Nalco CMD called upon prospective investors to explore investment opportunities at the downstream aluminium park at Angul (Odisha) where the company is a joint developer along with Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco). 

The Italian delegation, led by its trade commissioner, Prof. Alberto, stressed the lasting relationship between India and Italy on aluminium downstream and the potential of downstream industries in the country. 

Prof. Alberto spoke about future potential of downstream industries and the proactive role it will play to help the aluminium sector. He praised Nalco's role in bringing downstream and technical collaboration with Italy to bring the latest technology.