Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, through its European subsidiary Sudarshan Switzerland SLO AG, has signed a definitive Asset Sale and Transfer Agreement with Clariant Additives (Switzerland) AG to acquire its aluminium dyes and chemicals manufacturing plant in Muttenz, Switzerland. The acquisition will give Sudarshan direct ownership of a facility that has manufactured its Aluminium Dyes portfolio for several years. The portfolio includes the Sanodal, Sanodure, Sanodye and Anodal brands. The transaction will transform an established supply relationship into direct manufacturing ownership, allowing Sudarshan to gain greater control over production, capacity and future product development.

Muttenz Plant Brings Specialised Chemistry Capabilities

The Muttenz facility has a long history of manufacturing aluminium dyes for Sandoz, Clariant and, more recently, Sudarshan. The plant produces organic intermediates and operates complex, multistep organic chemistry processes. Such manufacturing capabilities require specialised technical expertise and operational experience, making the facility a valuable strategic asset. Importantly, Sudarshan plans to retain the existing workforce, including permanent and agency-engaged personnel, at the site. This approach will help preserve the technical knowledge and process expertise developed at the facility over many years.

Strengthening Aluminium Dye Production

Aluminium Dyes are specialised colorants used to colour anodized aluminium surfaces while providing the required durability and performance. These dyes find applications across several industries, including automotive components, consumer electronics, packaging and industrial parts. Sudarshan currently serves the global Aluminium Dyes market in collaboration with regional partners. By acquiring the Muttenz facility, the company can strengthen its position in this specialised segment and gain greater control over an important part of its supply chain.

Acquisition Secures Long-Term Production Continuity

The existing supply arrangement between Sudarshan and the seller was approaching its conclusion. Therefore, instead of transferring a complex and well-established manufacturing process to another location, Sudarshan decided to acquire the assets directly. This strategy will help the company maintain continuity for the affected product portfolio while retaining the manufacturing capabilities and expertise already established at Muttenz. Direct ownership will provide Sudarshan with greater flexibility to manage production capacity and develop future generations of aluminium dye products.

Transaction Expected to Close in January 2027

The transaction is structured as a purchase of identified assets. Completion will include the transfer of possession of the assets and associated records. However, the closing remains subject to customary conditions precedent. Sudarshan expects the transaction to close on or around January 4, 2027. Rajesh Rathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, said the company has relied on the Muttenz facility for years and that direct ownership will provide greater control over processes and capacity. He added that the acquisition will also give Sudarshan an opportunity to plan future product development and innovation independently. According to Rathi, customers should experience continuity in the existing products, while Sudarshan will gain greater ability to make long-term commitments.

Preserving Technical Expertise at Muttenz

Dr. Klaus-Dieter Baumgart, Global Chief Technology Officer, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, and Managing Director, Sudarshan Germany Horizons GmbH, highlighted the specialised nature of the Muttenz operation. He noted that the plant’s multistep organic chemistry capabilities are relatively uncommon and depend heavily on the expertise of its workforce. Accordingly, Sudarshan intends to preserve the existing processes, specifications and operating standards while integrating the facility into its business. The company views the acquisition as the purchase of an established manufacturing operation rather than simply a collection of physical assets.

Strengthening Sudarshan’s Global Specialty Chemicals Position

The acquisition of Clariant’s Muttenz plant represents another strategic step in Sudarshan Chemical Industries’ global specialty chemicals expansion. By securing direct ownership of the Swiss manufacturing facility, Sudarshan will strengthen its aluminium dyes business, preserve specialised manufacturing expertise and gain greater control over production and innovation. As reported by alchempro.com, the acquisition reinforces the company’s ability to serve global customers in applications where high-performance aluminium dyes and advanced organic chemistry capabilities are essential.

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports while preventing the diversion of controlled substances. Dr. Dinesh Bisen, Narcotics Commissioner, represented CBN, while Raja Bhanu, Director General, represented PHARMEXCIL during the signing ceremony at the CBN Headquarters in Gwalior. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between regulators and the pharmaceutical industry. At the same time, it seeks to make regulatory compliance easier for exporters while maintaining strict safeguards against the misuse of controlled substances.

Strengthening India’s Pharmaceutical Export Ecosystem

India is widely recognised as the “Pharmacy of the World” and remains a major global supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), bulk drugs, formulations, biologics and medical devices. The pharmaceutical industry also has strong links with the chemical sector, which supplies compounds, solvents, catalysts and other critical inputs used in drug manufacturing. Consequently, this interconnected supply chain requires effective controls to prevent the diversion of certain chemicals and controlled substances for illicit purposes. The new CBN-PHARMEXCIL partnership seeks to address this challenge while supporting the legitimate growth of India’s pharmaceutical exports.

CBN’s Role in Regulating Controlled Substances

The CBN administers the regulatory, facilitation and enforcement provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Its responsibilities include supervising the legitimate cultivation of opium poppy, issuing authorisations for the import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and ensuring that essential chemical inputs do not enter illicit channels. Furthermore, the MoU supports the Government of India’s broader Ease of Doing Business agenda by introducing voluntary compliance mechanisms into the pharmaceutical export ecosystem.

PHARMEXCIL to Act as Industry Interface

1. Raja Bhanu, Director General, PHARMEXCIL, highlighted the importance of trust and regulatory integrity for India’s pharmaceutical export industry. India currently supplies medicines to more than 200 countries and remains the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines. However, maintaining this global position requires strong confidence among international regulators, patients and government agencies. Bhanu noted that narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances serve legitimate pharmaceutical purposes, including anaesthesia and pain management. At the same time, he stressed the need to prevent their diversion because even limited misuse can have serious consequences.

Under the MoU, PHARMEXCIL will serve as an industry interface for CBN. It will disseminate regulatory advisories among exporter members, encourage participation in awareness and training programmes, and promote a stronger culture of voluntary compliance. Importantly, PHARMEXCIL’s role will remain facilitative rather than regulatory. The organisation will help exporters understand and follow applicable requirements while supporting communication between industry and government authorities.

Voluntary Code of Conduct for Exporters

As part of the agreement, CBN has developed a Voluntary Code of Conduct in consultation with PHARMEXCIL. The code outlines recommended practices for pharmaceutical exporters dealing with controlled substances. Since it is voluntary and non-binding, it will not interfere with normal business operations or impose additional statutory or financial obligations beyond existing laws. Member companies will nominate designated contact persons to coordinate matters related to the code and facilitate communication with the concerned authorities.

Focus on Faster and More Efficient Export Procedures

The partnership will also focus on identifying operational bottlenecks that affect compliant exporters. Subsequently, CBN and PHARMEXCIL will recommend measures to streamline export procedures and improve regulatory efficiency. The two organisations will conduct joint workshops, seminars and awareness programmes to improve industry understanding of compliance requirements. Where necessary, these initiatives will also involve government bodies such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Customs. In addition, the MoU establishes a framework for exchanging information required to achieve regulatory objectives, subject to applicable laws and confidentiality requirements.

Six-Month Action Plan for Pan-India Outreach

CBN and PHARMEXCIL have also discussed a six-month action plan to implement the partnership. The plan will focus on pan-India industry outreach, stakeholder sensitisation and the establishment of key areas for institutional and regulatory cooperation. Through these initiatives, the two organisations aim to create a more transparent and efficient compliance environment for pharmaceutical exporters.

Balancing Export Growth with Regulatory Compliance

The MoU reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to the compliant and sustainable growth of India’s pharmaceutical sector. By improving coordination between regulators and exporters, the initiative aims to reduce dwell time associated with export authorisations while continuing to protect against the misuse of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled precursors. Therefore, the agreement seeks to achieve two complementary objectives: facilitating legitimate pharmaceutical trade and strengthening regulatory safeguards.

Third Industry Partnership for CBN

The agreement with PHARMEXCIL is the third industry-focused MoU signed by CBN. CBN previously signed an MoU with the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) in 2022, covering the basic chemical manufacturing sector. It subsequently signed another agreement with CHEMEXCIL in 2025, covering fine and speciality chemicals. As reported by bignewsnetwork.com, the latest MoU extends this collaborative approach to finished pharmaceutical exports, further strengthening coordination between the government and India’s chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Swedish specialty steelmaker Alleima is investing approximately $23.2 million to expand its advanced tube production facility in Mehsana, Gujarat. The expansion will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity for specialised tubes used across the chemical, petrochemical, fertiliser and natural gas industries. Alleima expects to complete the expansion by 2028. The company aims to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in India while responding to the growing demand for high-performance tubing solutions.

Larger and Specialised Tubes

The investment will add production capabilities for larger-dimension advanced tubes and specialised tubing designed specifically for the fertiliser industry. In addition, Alleima plans to increase its production of precision tubes used in CNG systems, hydraulic applications and instrumentation. These products require specialised manufacturing capabilities because their specifications can vary significantly depending on operating conditions and end-use requirements. Unlike standard commodity tubes, advanced and precision tubes often need to perform under demanding conditions, including high pressure, elevated temperatures and corrosive environments.

Building on an Established Manufacturing Base

Alleima already operates an established manufacturing facility in Mehsana and completed an earlier expansion at the site in 2023. Therefore, the latest investment represents the next phase of development at its existing Indian manufacturing base rather than a completely new greenfield project. By expanding the existing facility, Alleima can build on its current infrastructure, skilled workforce and established customer relationships. Consequently, the company can potentially scale up production more efficiently while strengthening its ability to support customers in India.

Supporting India’s Growing Process Industries

India’s chemical, petrochemical and fertiliser industries continue to expand their production capacities. As a result, demand is increasing for specialised materials and components capable of operating reliably in challenging industrial environments. Advanced tubes play an important role in applications where resistance to pressure, temperature and corrosion is critical. Furthermore, local manufacturing can help customers benefit from shorter delivery cycles, improved supply reliability and closer access to technical support. Alleima has identified growing demand from India’s chemical, petrochemical, fertiliser and natural gas sectors as an important driver behind the Mehsana expansion.

Strengthening Local Supply of High-Value Steel Products

India has traditionally depended on imports for several specialised steel grades and high-performance products that are not always manufactured locally in sufficient quantities. Therefore, the addition of advanced tube manufacturing capacity at Mehsana could gradually reduce dependence on overseas suppliers for selected specialised tube products. While the investment will not significantly alter India’s overall steel market, it represents an important step towards strengthening domestic availability of higher-value and technically demanding steel products.

A Strategic Step for Alleima in India

With its $23.2 million investment, Alleima is expanding its ability to serve India’s growing process industries with advanced and specialised tube solutions. The Mehsana expansion will strengthen production capabilities for larger-dimension tubes, fertiliser industry applications and precision tubing for CNG, hydraulics and instrumentation. As reported by metalsbuy.com, as India’s industrial and infrastructure sectors continue to grow, the investment positions Alleima to play a stronger role in supplying high-performance materials to demanding chemical and process industry applications.

Tri Polarcon Pvt. Ltd., a Pune-based manufacturer and exporter of construction chemicals, acquired 100% ownership of Rockhard Polycoats Pvt. Ltd. The acquisition strengthens Tri Polarcon’s presence in India’s growing construction chemicals market, particularly in industrial flooring, protective coatings, waterproofing and structural repair solutions. Rockhard Polycoats, also based in the Pune region, brings specialised expertise in industrial epoxy flooring, PU flooring, protective coatings and structural repair. As a result, the acquisition enables Tri Polarcon to broaden its technical capabilities and offer a more comprehensive range of solutions to industrial and infrastructure customers.

Combining Complementary Construction Chemical Expertise

The two companies operate in complementary segments of the construction chemicals industry. Tri Polarcon markets its products under the TRIFLOR brand and manufactures a wide portfolio of epoxy, PU, EPU and water-based flooring systems. Its product range also includes waterproofing solutions, protective and anti-corrosive coatings, sealants, grouts, adhesives, mortars and concrete admixtures. Moreover, the company supports its offerings through in-house manufacturing and research and development capabilities. Rockhard Polycoats developed specialised expertise in industrial epoxy and PU flooring, protective coatings, antistatic flooring and car parking flooring. The company also undertakes structural repair, restoration and steel protection projects. Therefore, by bringing these complementary capabilities together, Tri Polarcon aims to strengthen its ability to serve customers requiring integrated construction chemical and flooring solutions.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Integrated Solutions

India’s construction chemicals sector continues to evolve as industrial facilities, warehouses, infrastructure projects, pharmaceutical plants and food-grade facilities become larger and more technically demanding. Consequently, customers increasingly require integrated solutions covering industrial flooring, waterproofing, protective coatings and structural repair instead of working with multiple specialised vendors. The acquisition positions Tri Polarcon to respond to this changing market requirement. By combining Rockhard Polycoats’ specialised site experience and established client relationships with Tri Polarcon’s broader product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities, the company expects to create stronger value for its customers.

Focus on Integration and Customer Value

Vijay Mohite, Chief General Manager of Tri Polarcon, said, “I’ve spent more than twenty years in this industry, and I know a deal like this doesn’t mean much on its own. What matters is what we do with it — bringing two strong teams together and making sure customers actually feel the benefit.” Tri Polarcon has stated that it plans to build on Rockhard Polycoats’ existing technical capabilities and customer relationships rather than replace them. Accordingly, the company views the acquisition as the beginning of an integration process focused on strengthening capabilities and improving customer offerings. The company has not disclosed the transaction value, employee details or a specific integration timeline.

Part of a Growing Consolidation Trend

The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within India’s construction chemicals and coatings industry. As projects become increasingly complex, manufacturers are expanding their product portfolios and technical capabilities to offer more complete solutions across multiple applications. Companies with expertise in industrial flooring, waterproofing, protective coatings and structural repair are particularly well positioned to benefit from this growing demand for integrated solutions.

A Step Towards a Stronger Industry Presence

With the acquisition of Rockhard Polycoats, Tri Polarcon takes another important step towards strengthening its position in India’s construction chemicals industry. The combined capabilities will enhance Tri Polarcon’s presence across industrial epoxy and PU flooring, waterproofing, protective coatings, structural repair and specialised construction chemical solutions. As per the press release, the acquisition could help the company serve increasingly complex industrial and infrastructure projects while building a stronger position in India’s evolving construction chemicals market.

Nexon Geochem completed the first round of technical evaluation and benchmarking of Indian-origin raw materials for Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) rare-earth permanent magnets. The company conducted the evaluation using technology from Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry (Giredmet). The development marks an important step towards establishing a domestic supply chain for high-performance permanent magnets. It also demonstrates the potential to integrate Indian-origin feedstock into advanced NdFeB magnet manufacturing processes.

Nexon Plans Large-Scale NdFeB Magnet Manufacturing

As its next major objective, Nexon Geochem plans to establish a scalable sintered NdFeB permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. The proposed facility will position the company among the early integrated platforms capable of connecting rare-earth oxide processing with permanent magnet manufacturing in India. Nexon is targeting a production capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum (TPA) of NdFeB permanent magnets by FY33, according to the company. NdFeB permanent magnets are critical components in several advanced technologies. In particular, they are used in permanent magnet synchronous generators for wind turbines, including offshore wind turbines, as well as synchronous traction motors used in battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

Technology Pathway Validated with Indian Feedstock

Praveen Choudhary, Founder of Nexon Geochem, described the successful validation as a significant milestone for the company. He said the evaluation has technically demonstrated a pathway for integrating Indian-origin raw materials into Giredmet’s NdFeB manufacturing technology platform. The company will now focus on taking the validated process into pilot production and customer applications in India. Nexon aims to demonstrate that domestic feedstock can support the production of high-performance Nd-Fe-B magnets across the N35 to N52 grade range. These magnets could serve applications across electric mobility, automotive systems, consumer electrical and electronics products, renewable energy, medical technology, aerospace and defence, among other advanced industries.

Giredmet Supports Indian NdFeB Supply Chain Development

Konstantin Ivanovskikh, Deputy Director for Research & Innovation at Giredmet, said the successful evaluation represents an important technical milestone. According to him, the validation of
Indian-origin raw materials through the Nd-Fe-B manufacturing process using Giredmet technology creates a foundation for developing an integrated domestic supply chain. The proposed supply chain could eventually connect Indian rare-earth feedstock with finished high-performance NdFeB permanent magnets, reducing reliance on external sources for critical magnet materials.

Next Phase Focuses on Pilot Production and Customer Validation

Following the initial technical validation, Nexon Geochem plans to move towards pilot production and customer validation in India. The company will work with potential customers to understand application-specific requirements while simultaneously optimising manufacturing processes and magnet grades. At the same time, Nexon will advance the infrastructure, equipment procurement and execution plans required for commercial-scale production. This approach will allow the company to test the technology under practical operating conditions before moving towards full-scale manufacturing.

Evaluation Covered Raw Materials and Magnet Performance

As part of the technical programme, Nexon supplied Indian-origin Nd-Pr oxide, iron and ferroboron to Giredmet for evaluation. The objective was to determine whether these domestic raw materials could be successfully integrated into Giredmet’s NdFeB manufacturing technology and converted into magnets that meet the required magnetic and structural performance standards. The first batch has completed the prescribed technical evaluation and benchmarking. The assessment covered several critical parameters, including:

Strengthening India’s Rare-Earth Magnet Ecosystem

The successful validation represents a significant step towards developing an India-based rare-earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem. By combining domestic raw materials with proven NdFeB processing technology, Nexon Geochem aims to build an integrated pathway from rare-earth oxides to finished permanent magnets. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics and other high-technology applications continues to grow, the ability to manufacture high-performance NdFeB magnets domestically could become increasingly important for India’s strategic and industrial supply chains.

Camilla Corsi, Head of Crop Protection Research & Development at Syngenta, has won the prestigious 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) International Award for Research in Agrochemicals. The award recognises her leadership and significant contributions to the discovery and development of innovative crop protection solutions. The ACS Fall Meeting will host a symposium in Corsi’s honour, highlighting her work in advancing agrochemical research and developing technologies that address key challenges in modern agriculture.

Advancing Crop Protection Through Innovation

Corsi has played an influential role in the discovery of several important crop protection active ingredients and technologies. Her contributions include the development of the fungicide pydiflumetofen (ADEPIDYN® technology), the insecticides isocycloseram (PLINAZOLIN® technology) and spiropidion (TINIVION® technology), and the novel SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) nematicide cyclobutrifluram (TYMIRIUM® technology). Together, ADEPIDYN®, PLINAZOLIN® and TYMIRIUM® represent a new generation of crop protection technologies. These solutions provide effective control of diseases, pests and nematodes across a broad range of crops and geographies.

Leadership in Agrochemical Research

A chemist by training, Corsi joined Syngenta in 2004 and subsequently held several leadership positions within the company’s Research & Development organisation. In January 2025, she became Head of Crop Protection Research & Development, leading a global organisation of more than 3,000 scientists, technologists and regulatory experts across 51 countries. Her organisation operates through four world-class research sites and focuses on developing innovative solutions to support farmers and strengthen the resilience of agriculture. In addition, Corsi joined Syngenta Group’s extended Global Leadership Team in January 2025. She also serves on the company’s Innovation Board, further contributing to Syngenta’s global innovation strategy.

Focus on Sustainable Agriculture

Commenting on the recognition, Corsi described the award as “a very proud moment” and highlighted Syngenta’s continued investment in agricultural technologies. She noted that the company is focused on developing solutions that can make agriculture more productive, sustainable and resilient, particularly as farmers face increasing climate and resource pressures. As per the press release, Corsi also thanked the American Chemical Society for recognising Syngenta’s research efforts and for honouring her contributions to agrochemical innovation and crop protection research.

Dr. Bipul Saha, a distinguished scientist, industry leader and management professional with an exceptional academic and professional background recently passed away. He held an M.Sc. in Chemistry as a Gold Medalist, a Ph.D. in Chemistry, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Management. He strengthened his scientific expertise through post-doctoral research under Nobel Laureate Professor Derek Barton. His career began as a Scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Government of India. He subsequently held senior positions across leading organisations, including Pfizer (India), where he served as Manager – R&D; Monsanto, as General Manager; Gharda Chemicals, as Director – Quality; Nagarjuna Agrichem, as Director – R&D; and Vinati Organics, where he served as President – Technical.

Strong Association with IUPAC

Dr. Saha made significant contributions to the international chemistry community through his close association with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). He served as a Bureau Member and Executive Board Member of IUPAC. He was also a Titular Member of several important IUPAC bodies, including the Division of Chemistry and the Environment, the Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs, and the Committee on Chemistry and Industry. His involvement with IUPAC reflected his extensive contribution to advancing chemistry, environmental science and the application of chemical research to industrial and global challenges.

Editorial and Scientific Contributions

Beyond his corporate and scientific responsibilities, Dr. Saha contributed extensively to scientific publishing and knowledge dissemination. He served as an Editorial Advisory Board Member of the American Chemical Society’s ACS Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. He was also associated with international publications such as Farm Chemicals International (USA) and Agri Business Global (USA) as an Editorial Advisory Board Member. In India, he served as the editor of the Indian Society of Environmental Science and Technology Newsletter, further demonstrating his commitment to scientific communication and environmental research.

Contribution to Indian Technology Development

Dr. Saha also contributed to technology development initiatives supported by the Government of India. He served as a Principal Investigator and Steering Committee Member of the Government-sponsored New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) Project. Through this role, he contributed to the development and promotion of innovative technologies with potential industrial and national significance.

International Recognition and Global Expertise

Dr. Saha’s expertise earned him invitations to participate as a Chairman, International Resource Scientist and Speaker at conferences, scientific forums and industry events across the world. His international engagements took him to countries including the USA, UK, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, among others. These engagements reflected his extensive experience in chemistry, research, industrial technology, environmental science and chemical management.

Homi Bhabha Gold Medal

In recognition to his outstanding scientific contributions, Dr. Bipul Saha was awarded the Homi Bhabha Gold Medal by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Government of India. The prestigious recognition adds to a career distinguished by scientific excellence, industrial leadership, international collaboration and contributions to the advancement of chemistry and technology.

A Career Spanning Science, Industry and Innovation

With decades of experience across scientific research, chemical manufacturing, R&D, quality management, technology development and international scientific organisations, Dr. Bipul Saha represented a unique blend of academic excellence and industrial expertise. His career demonstrated how scientific knowledge, industry experience and global collaboration can work together to drive innovation, sustainable development and technological advancement in the chemical sector.

Dr. Saha’s articles were regularly published in Chemical Industry Digest. May his soul rest in peace.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) honoured with the GEEF Global WaterTech Award 2026 in the category of “Water Efficiency Management Company of the Year.” The award recognises MRPL’s continued efforts to strengthen sustainable water management, resource optimisation, water circularity and water efficiency across its operations. The recognition highlights MRPL’s focus on adopting innovative and cleaner technologies to conserve water resources, improve operational efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of its refinery operations.

MRPL Strengthens Sustainable Water Management

The Water Efficiency Management Company of the Year award acknowledges MRPL’s initiatives to improve water management and optimise resource utilisation across its operations. The refinery has taken a focused approach towards improving water-use efficiency, promoting sustainable water management, optimising water and other natural resources, increasing water reuse and circularity, adopting innovative and cleaner technologies and reducing its environmental and ecological footprint. Through these initiatives, MRPL is working to use water resources more responsibly while supporting efficient and sustainable industrial operations.

Focus on Water Efficiency and Circularity

MRPL’s water management strategy places greater emphasis on resource conservation, reuse and circularity. By improving water utilisation and adopting technology-driven solutions, the refinery aims to minimise water consumption and reduce the environmental impact associated with its operations. Furthermore, its focus on cleaner technologies supports more efficient resource management while helping integrate sustainability into day-to-day refinery processes. These measures demonstrate how water efficiency and circular water management can contribute to both environmental performance and sustainable industrial growth.

Technology Drives Sustainable Operations

Innovation plays an important role in MRPL’s approach to environmental management. The company continues to explore cleaner technologies and operational improvements that can enhance efficiency while reducing resource consumption. As a result, MRPL’s initiatives demonstrate the growing role of technology-driven water management solutions in improving the sustainability of energy-intensive industrial operations.

MRPL Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Growth

The GEEF Global WaterTech Award 2026 reinforces MRPL’s commitment to environmental stewardship, water conservation and sustainable growth. The company continues to focus on resource optimisation, water efficiency and innovative solutions that improve operational performance while reducing its ecological footprint. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, the recognition therefore underscores MRPL’s efforts to make sustainable water management an integral part of responsible refinery operations.

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), the overseas investment arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), is preparing an investment plan of around $200 million to revive production at the San Cristobal oilfield in Venezuela. The planned investment aims to put the long-running producing asset back on a growth trajectory following years of limited capital expenditure and operational restrictions linked to sanctions. OVL expects to deploy the investment over the next 12 months, focusing primarily on well workovers, equipment upgrades and essential field repairs.

San Cristobal Oilfield Production Drops Sharply

The San Cristobal oilfield previously produced around 45,000–50,000 barrels per day (bpd) at its peak. However, output has fallen significantly in recent years. Production currently stands at approximately 4,000–5,000 bpd, reflecting the impact of constrained investment, ageing infrastructure and operational challenges associated with sanctions.

Investment Targets Gradual Production Recovery

The proposed $200 million investment is expected to improve the field’s operational reliability and support a gradual recovery in oil production. However, the investment is not expected to immediately restore San Cristobal to its historical peak output. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, OVL plans to strengthen the field’s infrastructure and production capabilities progressively, creating a foundation for longer-term growth.

August Energy and Energeia collaborated to establish a $100 million energy-efficiency infrastructure platform, August Energeia, aimed at helping commercial and industrial (C&I) facilities in India reduce emissions while improving energy performance. Under the partnership, the companies will finance and deliver energy-efficiency infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model for C&I customers.

Energy-as-a-Service Model to Reduce Upfront Costs

The partnership combines August Energy’s expertise in capital deployment, techno-commercial structuring and business development with Energeia’s capabilities in energy audits, engineering execution and on-ground sales. Together, the companies aim to address a major barrier to industrial decarbonisation—the high upfront capital required to modernise energy infrastructure. Through the Energy-as-a-Service model, factories and commercial buildings can upgrade energy-intensive systems without making significant upfront investments. The solutions will cover cooling and heating systems, steam and compressed-air infrastructure, fuel-switching technologies, motor-driven systems, renewable energy, including solar and wind energy storage solutions. August Energeia will finance, implement and manage the energy infrastructure, while project economics will be linked to the energy performance and savings achieved.

Platform Targets Energy-Intensive Industries

The platform will focus on sectors with significant energy consumption, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverage, chemicals, cement, steel, hospitality, healthcare, data centres, REITs and commercial real estate. Consequently, the model could enable businesses to modernise energy infrastructure while preserving capital for their core operations and growth initiatives.

Performance-Linked OPEX Model Supports Decarbonisation

According to Sookrit Malik, Co-Founder and CEO, Energeia, the partnership aims to shift energy infrastructure investments from high-risk capital expenditure to predictable, performance-linked operating expenditure (OPEX). Vishal Jain, Co-Founder and Head of India, August Energy, added that energy infrastructure could increasingly be consumed as a service, with specialist operators managing investment, technology and performance while customers focus their capital on business growth. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the partnership therefore seeks to accelerate energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation and sustainable infrastructure adoption across India’s commercial and industrial sector.