Zinc Prodn Up 17 Per Cent To 1.35 Lakh Tonne

Zinc production by the organised sector in the country during April 1997-January 1998 increased by 17 per cent to 1.35 lakh tonne as compared to 1.15 lakh tonne in the corresponding period of 1996-97, according to the mines ministry figures.

Hindustan Zinc (HZL) recorded an increased production of 1.12 lakh tonne during the period under review compared to 91,049 tonne in the corresponding period last year. It was the major contributor to the industrys increased output.

Production by Binani Industries (BIL) declined by 6.5 per cent from 24,230 tonne in April 1996-January 1997 to 22,677 tonne in April 1997-January 1998.

 

Both HZL and BIL operated far below their installed capacities of 1.52 lakh tonne and 30,000 tonne respectively. While HZL utilised 74 per cent of its capacity, BIL could utilise only 76 per cent during April 1997 - January 1998.

Lead production rose by 7.5 per cent to 39,174 tonne in April 1997 - January 1998.

Production by HZL increased to 28,420 tonne during the period under review compared to 22,757 tonne in 1996-97.

However, production by private sector unit, Indian Lead (ILL) fell from 13,682 tonnes in April 1996-January 1997 to 10,754 tonne in April 1997- January 1998.

Capacity utilisation by HZL and ILL during the period under review was only 44 per cent and 45 per cent respectively compared to the installed capacity of 65,000 tonne and 24,000 tonne respectively.