Nalco expansion within prescribed time span

National Aluminium Company (Nalco) is in the second phase of expansion process which is expected to get completed within the sheduled period. The company had entered into the second phase of expansion in October 2004, at an estimated investment of Rs40.9bn and it was scheduled to be completed in four years and two months from the date of inauguration.

After the completion, mine capacity would be increased to 6.3mn tons p.a. from the existing 4.8mn tons. Alumina production would rise to 2.1mn tons from 1.57mn tons and aluminium production to 0.46mn tons from 0.34mn tons p.a. The capacity of the captive power plant would rise to 1,200 MW from 960 MW. The company exports around 40% ofits products.

According to CR Pradhan, Chairman and MD, Nalco, the net profit, which was Rs15.6bn during the previous financial year, might touch or even cross the Rs20bn mark in the current financial year and the sales turnover (Rs53bn previously) might be a little less than Rs 60bn.