The government today said aluminium production in the country is expected to touch 5 million tonnes per annum （MTPA） by 2015 from the present 1.3 MTPA on back of capacity expansion programme by metal producers.
It, however, cautioned against over exploitation of domestic reserves and stressed the need for conservation for future use besides exploring new resources.
"All the major primary metal producers are expanding their capacity… It is strongly believed that capacity of 5 MT production by 2015 will be achieved," Mines Minister B K Handique said addressing an aluminium summit.
Exuding confidence that Indian aluminium industry will be among top three major producers globally by 2015, Handique said the metal production was likely to grow to 10 MTPA by 2020.
India produces only 1.318 million tonnes of the metal at present in comparison to 40 MT world production. Its per capita consumption of the metal is 1.3 kg.
Aluminium finds wide application in the infrastructure, construction and transportation sector and as a industry holds a strategic economic importance for the country.
Cautioning against exploitation of the metal, Handique said it has to be guided by long term national goals and perspectives, despite the fact that there are ample resources. "… Care should be exercised to see that the best quality mineral is not consumed too soon, （thereby） leaving nothing for our future generation", the minister said.
"It is necessary to explore new bauxite deposits and to develop technologies for using low grade bauxites for pacing up with tomorrow," he said. The country has good quality reserves of bauxite and stands 5th largest in the world.
Handique also called for developing new technology for aluminium production.
He said the present method used here is not only energy intensive but also emits green house and perflurocarbon （PFC） gases which are considered as serious concerns for global warming.
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