The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Titanium project in rough weather

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Titanium project in rough weather

Ravi. P. Benjamin

Srikakulam: Yet another project, aimed at extraction of precious titanium metal from the beach sands, would become a casualty to power politics on the lines of Nano project in Singur, if the government does not ensure a congenial atmosphere in the three districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam where the project interests lay.

The fishermen, supported by political parties, have stalled the survey work and even damaged the machinery engaged in drilling works at Donkur near Itchapuram in the district. Over 200 locals, engaged by the company, have lost their jobs due to suspension of the works. Australian experts representing the project had to leave the job site. The titanium project is crucial for defence sector including aviation, automobile and even for submarine industry.

The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC), which has called for tenders for extraction of titanium, shortlisted AP Coastal Sands and Metals Private Limited due to its expertise and technical know-how in the field.

Presently the AP Coastal Sands firm is doing a preliminary study in this regard to quantify the metal through its surveys in Etcherla, Mandasa, Itchapuram, Sompeta, Vajrapukothur, Ranasthalam and Kaviti regions.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh