NALCO Scouts JV Partner For Cement Biz

India''s infrastructure boom has lured many cement manufactures to expand their capacities. But this time an unlikely player is set to enter the space. NALCO is planning to venture into cement manufacturing business. It is currently scouting for joint venture partners to set up cement plant by using fly ash generated at its captive power plant into cement.The company plans to invest Rs 1,000-1,500 crore in cement manufacturing. It aims to put up a manufacturing facility with a capacity 1,000 tonne per day. The management expects to finalise the project in 3-4 months.

NALCO''s captive thermal power plants will generate about 10,000 MT per day of ash and soda ash which can be converted into cement. Analysts say with cement industry passing through one of its fastest growing phase along with capacity utilisation nearing 100 per cent mark NALCO''s decision to enter this sector will help it to have an additional source for revenue.