Indus Valley Times

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy stresses need for greater value addition and downstream aluminium manufacturing

By Nalini Sahu

Kolkata/Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, in association with the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), organised an investor roadshow in Kolkata on Sunday to showcase investment opportunities at the Angul Aluminium Park in Odisha.

The event focused on promoting downstream and value-added aluminium manufacturing and was attended by more than 250 representatives from the investor community, industry associations and other stakeholders.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, who was the chief guest, said aluminium would remain central to India’s efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and achieve the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

“India currently imports nearly USD 4 billion worth of high-finish aluminium products, even with substantial domestic capacity. Bridging this gap through enhanced production, greater value addition and a strong downstream ecosystem is a key priority,” he said.

Describing aluminium as the “Green Metal” and “Metal of Tomorrow”, Reddy said the proposed industrial initiative would provide a platform for investors and industries to expand operations, promote innovation, generate employment and strengthen India’s aluminium value chain.

Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, stressed the need for the aluminium industry to move beyond primary production towards greater value addition and high-value finished products. He also called for greater adoption of technology, innovation and indigenous research and development to produce quality products at competitive costs.

NALCO CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh said the Angul Aluminium Park was envisaged as a key platform for developing an integrated downstream aluminium ecosystem around NALCO’s operations in Angul. He acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Mines and the Odisha government in creating an enabling environment for the sector.

IDCO Managing Director D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy said Odisha had emerged as a preferred investment destination over the past two years, driven by proactive policies. He highlighted the park’s strategic advantages, including its molten metal corridor and availability of land, water and energy.

Organised by NALCO with ASSOCHAM as the event partner, the roadshow spotlighted Angul Aluminium Park Private Limited (AAPPL), a joint initiative of NALCO and IDCO. The park offers industrial land, reliable power and water supply, road connectivity, and R&D and testing facilities.

A key proposition for investors is access to NALCO’s hot metal. The company will provide 50,000 tonnes annually at a discounted rate, offering downstream manufacturers a reliable raw material source and supporting the establishment of aluminium-based manufacturing facilities.