IREL and Kazakhstan's UKTMP Collaborate for Titanium Slag JV in Odisha

IREL and Kazakhstan’s UKTMP Collaborate for Titanium Slag JV in Odisha

IREL (India) Limited and Kazakhstan's UKTMP have formed a joint venture, IREUK Titanium Limited, to produce titanium slag in Odisha. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s titanium value chain by converting low-grade ilmenite into high-grade feedstock, creating local jobs.

Piyush Shukla Published On November 6th, 2024

In a significant Indo-Kazakh collaboration, IREL (India) Limited, a CPSU under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC (UKTMP JSC) have inked a joint venture agreement to establish IREUK Titanium Limited, aimed at producing titanium slag in Odisha, India.

The agreement was formalized by Dr. Deependra Singh, CMD of IREL, and Ms. Assem Mamutova, President of UKTMP, witnessed by Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Secretary of DAE, alongside senior officials from both nations. This venture aims to strengthen India’s titanium supply chain, create jobs in Odisha, and bolster foreign exchange reserves.

Key Focus

Developing India’s Titanium Value Chain

The joint venture aligns with India’s efforts to enhance its titanium value chain. IREL will leverage its surplus ilmenite production from Odisha, while UKTMP will supply the necessary technology for titanium slag production. The project will convert low-grade ilmenite to high-grade titanium feedstock, meeting domestic demand and boosting local employment. Dr. A.K. Mohanty highlighted the initiative as a step towards India’s titanium self-reliance, in line with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Benefits for Both India and Kazakhstan

This agreement brings mutual advantages. UKTMP, a global titanium leader supplying to aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus, secures its raw material needs while benefiting from reduced production costs. Meanwhile, the joint venture will increase India’s foreign exchange earnings through UKTMP’s planned off-take of titanium slag, enhancing India’s brand equity in global mineral markets.

Technology, Employment, and Global Outreach

With UKTMP’s advanced titanium production technology and IREL’s high-quality mineral expertise, the joint venture will create a world-class titanium slag facility in Odisha. Expected to provide a sustainable employment boost, it will also open new avenues for India’s exports in rare earth minerals and high-quality titanium feedstock production, reinforcing the nation’s stature in the global titanium industry.

Here is a concise table focusing on the key points

Why in News	Key Points
IREL and UKTMP form JV	IREL (India) Limited and UKTMP JSC, Kazakhstan, have formed a joint venture IREUK Titanium Limited to produce titanium slag in Odisha.
Partners and Leadership	The agreement was signed by Dr. Deependra Singh (CMD, IREL) and Ms. Assem Mamutova (President, UKTMP). Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Secretary, DAE, was also present.
Location	The joint venture will operate in Odisha, India.
Technology and Production	UKTMP JSC will provide the technology to produce titanium slag, and IREL will supply ilmenite from its Odisha operations.
Countries Involved	India (IREL) and Kazakhstan (UKTMP JSC).
Raw Material & Products	IREL produces ilmenite; UKTMP JSC is a major producer of titanium sponge and ingots, primarily used in aerospace manufacturing (e.g., Boeing and Airbus).
Economic Impact	The JV aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in titanium production, create jobs in Odisha, and boost foreign exchange earnings for India.
Aerospace Industry	UKTMP’s titanium products are used in top aerospace manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.
Official Milestones	The JV marks a significant step in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with the agreement signed in the platinum jubilee year of DAE.
Key Agreement Details	The JV will beneficiate low-grade ilmenite into high-grade titanium feedstock for the titanium value chain.