Trimex Sands Private Limited (TSPL) is keen on expanding its activities in the north Andhra region with an investment of Rs. 2,000 crore. Though the market is sluggish now, the company anticipates huge demand for its products with the likely improvement of economy in the wake of changes in governments at the Centre and the State.
Heavy beach minerals such as ilmenite, zircon, rutile and garnet are used for production of paints, paper, ceramics, abrasive, insulation, cosmetics, leather, glass, artificial gems, aircraft parts, ceramics, filtration media and artificial human joints.
The plant, which mainly produces ilmenite, launched its operations in 2010 with an investment of Rs. 250 crore. The project will increase the production of ilmenite from 180,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes per annum at the existing Vatsavalasa unit of Gara mandal.
The company also plans to set up another unit at Bhavanapadu near Palasa where public hearing was completed two years ago. TSPL is also keen on setting up a pigment and slag unit in the Special Economic Zone at Atchutapuram in Visakhapatnam district. TSPL director and chief executive officer Ch.V.G.K. Murthy said there was a huge scope for growth of heavy mineral industry in the country. “The demand for heavy minerals has come down, but there is chance for enormous growth for the industry, as they are essential for several industries. That is why our company is keen on the expansion programme,” he added.
