2 weeks ago
Naidu calls for value addition to beach sand minerals
Beach sand in Andhra Pradesh has a special mineral called ilmenite.
That mineral can be turned into titanium, a very strong and useful metal, and into a white powder called titanium dioxide.
Titanium dioxide is used in paints, cosmetics, plastics and products that protect people from the sun.
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, wants to make these valuable products inside the state instead of just sending raw sand away.
Making products at home means more money and jobs for the state and the whole country.
India buys rare earth minerals from other countries, and the Chief Minister wants India to depend less on those imports.
A big company called the Adani Group wants to build a large titanium factory in Srikakulam district that will cost about Rs 16,000 crore.
The company also plans to build a university, an international school, a big hospital and a medical college in Visakhapatnam.
These plans could bring new technology, jobs and better facilities to the region.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to focus on value addition to beach sand minerals and adopt advanced technologies to reduce dependence on imports of rare earth minerals.
A delegation led by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd Managing Director Karan Adani met Naidu at the Secretariat in Amaravati and proposed a Rs 16,000-crore titanium plant in Srikakulam district.
The Adani Group said ilmenite found in beach sand can be processed into titanium slag, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanium sponge, which are used in paints, coatings, cosmetics, plastics and UV-protection products.
Naidu said beach sand minerals should form the foundation of an integrated value chain delivering maximum benefit to Andhra Pradesh and the country, and pushed for self-reliance in rare earth minerals.
The Adani Group also plans skill development facilities, Adani University, an international school, a 1,000-bed Adani Aarogya Mandir hospital, a 150-seat medical college and a Data Centre and IT Park in Visakhapatnam.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and a delegation led by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd Managing Director Karan Adani.
- What
- Naidu called for value addition to beach sand minerals and self-reliance in rare earth minerals, while the Adani Group proposed a Rs 16,000-crore titanium plant.
- Where
- The Secretariat in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh; the proposed plant would be in Srikakulam district, with related facilities planned in Visakhapatnam.
- When
- Wednesday, August 12.
- Why
- To reduce India's dependence on imports of rare earth minerals and maximise economic benefits from the state's mineral resources.
Key facts
- Chief Minister
- N Chandrababu Naidu
- Proposed Project
- Rs 16,000-crore titanium plant in Srikakulam district
- Investor
- Adani Group; delegation led by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd MD Karan Adani
- Meeting
- Wednesday, August 12, at the Secretariat, Amaravati
- Key Mineral
- Ilmenite, processable into titanium slag, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and titanium sponge
- Titanium Dioxide Uses
- Paints, coatings, cosmetics, plastics, polymers and UV-protection products
- Planned Visakhapatnam Facilities
- Skill development facilities, Adani University, international school, 1,000-bed Adani Aarogya Mandir hospital, 150-seat medical college, Data Centre and IT Park
- Policy Goal
- Self-reliance in rare earth minerals and reduced import dependence
Quotes
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
“He said beach sand minerals should not be viewed merely as resources to be extracted, but as the basis for developing an integrated value chain that would benefit the state and the country.”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
““We must focus on adding value to Andhra Pradesh’s beach sand minerals and adopt advanced technologies…”
theprint.in
Sources
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