Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) has joined hands with Kazakhstan-based Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC (UKTMP JSC) to develop India’s titanium value chain.
IREL partners with UKTMP aims to leverage rare-earth minerals found in India’s coastal regions, particularly in Odisha, and meet the growing demand for titanium in aerospace and defence sectors.
Converting Ilmenite to Titanium Slag
IREL partners with UKTMP proposes converting low titanium oxide (TiO2) ilmenite from Odisha into
high demand titanium slag.
Minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Jitendra Singh, confirmed the initiative.
Singh said, “The JV plant will catalyse the establishment of industries producing chloride pigment, titanium slag, and titanium sponge, which currently face challenges due to the lack of high TiO2 feedstock”.
Titanium’s Critical Role in Strategic Sectors
Titanium is highly valued for its exceptional properties, such as corrosion resistance, low density, and high strength.
These attributes make it essential for applications in aerospace, maritime, and defence sectors, where durability and reliability are paramount.
Titanium slag serves as a critical feedstock for producing titanium sponge.
Titanium sponge is indispensable for strategic sectors, including:
- Aerospace: Aircraft fuselage, engine parts, and landing gear
- Defence: Armour plating, submarines, missiles, and fighter jets
- Atomic Energy: Reactor shields, heat exchangers, and condenser tubes
Addressing India’s Titanium Production Gaps
Currently, India’s titanium sponge production capacity stands at a mere 500 tons per annum (tpa), with actual production around 260 tpa.
The new joint venture aims to bridge this gap.
UKTMP JSC will provide the technology for an automated furnace to produce titanium slag, along with technical designs, commissioning support, and training for plant operators.
The collaboration will equip Indian workers with specialized skills, helping to build domestic expertise in titanium production.
Safeguarding Intellectual Property and Enhancing Exports
IREL will protect UKTMP’s intellectual property rights for titanium slag production technologies in India.
UKTMP JSC will also ensure the offtake of titanium slag, creating export opportunities and boosting India’s foreign exchange earnings.
Additionally, the plant will produce pig iron, which has significant commercial value.
Economic and Employment Impact
The establishment of this joint venture is expected to transform India’s titanium industry. It will not only strengthen domestic production of titanium sponge but also encourage downstream industries to manufacture end-use products like titanium pigment and sponge.
Meeting Global Quality Standards
The titanium slag produced in the Indian facility will meet international quality standards, making it suitable for manufacturing titanium sponge and metal.
This will help India produce high-grade components essential for aerospace, defence, and atomic energy applications.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
The partnership with UKTMP JSC marks a critical step in strengthening India’s titanium value chain.
By addressing the current shortage of high-grade TiO2 feedstock, the JV will pave the way for India to become self-reliant in producing titanium-based strategic materials.
As reported by business-standard.com, the development will not only benefit industries but also enhance India’s capabilities in sectors vital to national security and technological advancement.
