National Aluminium Company Ltd may set up a half-million tonne aluminium plant in South Africa

The public-sector National Aluminium Company (Nalco) may put up a half-million tonne plant in South Africa (SA) that would use local mineral resources as its raw material. Preliminary discussions were held earlier this week between the union minister of state for mines Subbarami Reddy and the head of the mining and steel ministry of South Africa Sandile Nogxina, during Reddy''s visit to South Africa.

Reddy was accompanying Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on his visit to Nigeria and South Africa. He told told Nogxina that Nalco is interested in establishing a half-million-tonne plant. Nogxina assured the minister that his country would extend all possible support as well as allow access to local mineral resources.

Reddy also said India was willing to avail the services of South Africa''s Mine Qualification Authority, so that Indian companies could get access to the latest mining technologies.

Discussions also focussed on rehabilitation procedures, as well as on mining in forest areas without affecting the ecological balance. The two countries agreed to establish a joint technical working group to develop a plan of action, identify projects and report to both governments once or twice a year.