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

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