A two-day national seminar on “Vision 2020 for Metallurgical Industries” was inaugurated at the SGAT Building here on Saturday under the auspices of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) Bhubaneswar Chapter and the Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists, (SGAT) Bhubaneswar to discuss the problems and prospects of metallurgical industries in the country.
Inaugurating the seminar, Tata Steel Vice-President Arun Mishra spoke on the present and future scenario of Indian steel industries and expected that the seminar would come out with a vision document which will help the Government take steps for higher steel production in both private and public sectors.
Around 25 seminal papers were presented by experts working in various industries and R&D sectors. The papers highlighted the requirements of aerospace, defence and allied industries down the stream. Alternative routes consuming less energy were also deliberated.
Availability of low grade minerals and their beneficiation studies leading to development of process technologies were presented at the seminar. Several new advanced methods of metals and alloys analysis and characterisation were put up for discussion. Around 70 delegates from industries, academic institutions and R&D organisations participated at the inaugural session.
The valedictory session was presided over by Nalco Director SS Mohapatra. Chairpersons of the technical sessions summed up the proceedings and highlighted the significant outcomes and their relevance to the theme of the seminar.