IREL, Kazakh Firm Form Joint Venture to Develop India’s Titanium Industry

20 Dec 2024 CW Team

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), highlighted that the establishment of this JV plant would facilitate the growth of the titanium slag and chloride pigment industries, which have faced challenges due to a shortage of high-quality TiO2 feedstock. Titanium is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, strength, and low density, making it crucial for industries such as aerospace and maritime that require durable materials. Singh noted that titanium slag would serve as the primary feed material for producing titanium sponge, a critical material used in defense, aerospace, and atomic energy industries.

India currently has a limited titanium sponge production capacity of only about 260 tonnes per annum, far below the demand. Under the new venture, UKTMP JSC will supply technology and design for automated furnaces used to produce titanium slag and assist with plant commissioning, while also providing training to Indian plant operators. IREL will ensure the protection of intellectual property rights related to titanium slag production technologies in India.

Besides titanium slag, the JV plant will also produce pig iron, which has commercial value. Singh emphasized that UKTMP JSC’s commitment to purchasing titanium slag would significantly boost India’s export value and create opportunities for the domestic production of titanium pigment and sponge. The project is expected to generate between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs, including those in related industries. The titanium slag produced will meet international standards, allowing India to produce critical materials for defense, aerospace, and atomic energy applications.

Titanium sponge is used in aerospace for components such as aircraft fuselages and engine parts, in defense for armor plating and submarines, and in atomic energy for nuclear reactor shields and heat exchangers.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Indian Rare Earth Limited (IREL) has entered into a partnership with a Kazakhstan-based company to tap into India’s titanium industry potential by leveraging rare-earth minerals found along the coastal areas of the country. The joint venture between IREL (India) Limited and Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC (UKTMP JSC) aims to process low-grade titanium oxide (TiO2) ilmenite produced in Odisha into titanium slag, which is in high demand in the aerospace and defense sectors. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), highlighted that the establishment of this JV plant would facilitate the growth of the titanium slag and chloride pigment industries, which have faced challenges due to a shortage of high-quality TiO2 feedstock. Titanium is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, strength, and low density, making it crucial for industries such as aerospace and maritime that require durable materials. Singh noted that titanium slag would serve as the primary feed material for producing titanium sponge, a critical material used in defense, aerospace, and atomic energy industries. India currently has a limited titanium sponge production capacity of only about 260 tonnes per annum, far below the demand. Under the new venture, UKTMP JSC will supply technology and design for automated furnaces used to produce titanium slag and assist with plant commissioning, while also providing training to Indian plant operators. IREL will ensure the protection of intellectual property rights related to titanium slag production technologies in India. Besides titanium slag, the JV plant will also produce pig iron, which has commercial value. Singh emphasized that UKTMP JSC’s commitment to purchasing titanium slag would significantly boost India’s export value and create opportunities for the domestic production of titanium pigment and sponge. The project is expected to generate between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs, including those in related industries. The titanium slag produced will meet international standards, allowing India to produce critical materials for defense, aerospace, and atomic energy applications. Titanium sponge is used in aerospace for components such as aircraft fuselages and engine parts, in defense for armor plating and submarines, and in atomic energy for nuclear reactor shields and heat exchangers.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..