The newly elected body of Aluminium Association of India (AAI) met Union Minister of Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar and Secretary (Mines) Balvinder Kumar on Tuesday in New Delhi to put forth association’s plans and press for business safeguards.
They apprised about the extreme sluggish domestic and international aluminium market conditions and requested for Government initiatives and interventions to revive aluminium sector in India.
The AAI, the apex body of primary aluminium producers, secondary producers, downstream aluminium industries and various aluminium institutions of India, has recently elected their National Council with Dr Tapan Kumar Chand, Chairman of Nalco as president, Satish Pai, Deputy Managing Director, Hindalco and Abhijit Pati, president of Vedanta as vice presidents of the association and others as executive members.
Dr Chand informed that due to low energy cost in Middle East and subsidized energy in China along with other benefits extended by the respective Government, the landed cost of aluminium is proving to be `5,000- `6,000 cheaper per ton as compared to aluminium produced in the country. Therefore, imports are reaching in India from Middle East and China.
AAI’s vice presidents Pati and Pai pleaded for Government measures like safeguard duties and minimum import price in line with steel sector.
Dr Chand also pointed out that there is a need for promoting consumption of aluminium for which Aluminium Development Council (ADC)
under Chairmanship of Secretary (Mines) with primary and secondary aluminium producers as members may be formed within Ministry of Mines. He also requested Ministry of Mines to take steps for introduction of National Aluminium Policy (NAP-2016) and Aluminium Vision and Mission Plan 2025. On behalf of the association, he assured Ministry for all supports from aluminium producers.
Besides, Dr Chand emphasized that promotion of aluminium consumption will give a big boost to ‘Make in India’ movement as per capita consumption of aluminium in India is only 2.2kg against world average of 9-10kg. He further informed that the International Aluminium Conference (INCAl-2017) shall be held in Bhubaneswar in February, where all world leaders of aluminium industry will join.