Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry (Giredmet) signed an agreement with Alt Metals to establish a pilot production facility for titanium sponge, a primary feedstock used to manufacture titanium. The partnership will strengthen cooperation between Russian and Indian specialists in the deep processing of mineral raw materials and support the development of titanium production capabilities in India.
Pilot Facility to Support Titanium Sponge Production
Giredmet will supply laboratory equipment for titanium sponge production and support the initial development of the pilot facility. The project will focus on developing initial design data for an industrial-scale titanium sponge plant with a proposed capacity of 1,000 tons per year. During the first stage, the partners will study the customer’s raw materials and conduct laboratory testing. Giredmet will subsequently manufacture and supply laboratory equipment and provide installation supervision, commissioning support and personnel training. According to Andrey Goliney, Director of the Chemical Engineering Division at Rosatom Nauka JSC, the project could eventually scale the technology to industrial production and integrate it into the Indian industry.
Titanium Sponge Supports Key Industries
Titanium is valued for its high strength, low weight and corrosion resistance. As a result, titanium alloys and components find applications across several critical sectors, including defence, aerospace and medical devices. Titanium sponge serves as a key intermediate material in the titanium production chain. Therefore, developing local production capabilities could support downstream titanium processing and manufacturing.
Giredmet Strengthens India-Russia Cooperation
Giredmet operates under Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and works across the rare and rare-earth metals value chain. Its activities range from developing methods to process ores containing rare and rare-earth metals to producing high-purity substances, single crystals and finished products. These materials and products serve industries including electronics, nuclear energy, aviation and space. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, Russia continues to expand international trade and economic cooperation, while Rosatom and its enterprises participate in projects involving technology, services and raw materials.
