NALCO transfers R&D Process knowhow for Gujarat Plant

BHUBANESWAR: Aluminium giant NALCO today signed an agreement with Earth Refining Company (P) Ltd for transfer of knowhow for preparation of alumina tri-hydrate from bauxite by calcining with sodium carbonate and limestone, an innovative process for extraction of alumina.

Bayers' process is normally used for extraction of alumina from bauxite, while the new process has been developed in-house by NALCO.

In an attempt to commercialise the R&D process so developed and patented by NALCO, the agreement was signed on behalf of the Company by P K Mohapatra, ED (P&T) and N Patel, Managing Director, Earth Refining Company (P) Ltd at NALCO's Corporate Office here.

It may be mentioned here that Earth Refining Company (P) Ltd, with majority stake in joint venture, is exploring possibility of about 26% equity from Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation to put up a plant using the process knowhow at Bhuj in Gujarat.