New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Bullish on future prospects forthe electric vehicles in the country, Steel Minster BirenderSingh today asked state-owned MOIL to make significantcontribution to the Centre's 'Make in India' programme bydeveloping technology to meet manganese requirement forbatteries to be used in electric vehiclesIn view of growing future prospects for the electricvehicles in the country, the minister said the PSU needs totake measures to remain a leader in the market.
Chairing the mid-year review meeting of MOIL, theminister also asked the PSU to plan for building capacities intungsten mining and production for strengthening manufacturingcapabilities for defence production in India, the Ministry ofSteel said in a statement.
"MOIL must make significant contribution to Make in Indiaby developing technology to meet manganese requirement ofbatteries to be used in Electric Vehicles etc," Singh wasquoted as saying.
He further said, the miner should strategically plan forforward integration to leverage its leadership position ofmanganese ore production in India. The company can also thinkof acquiring or taking majority stake in ferro-alloyproduction facilities, in addition to expansion efforts.
There is huge potential for e-rickshaws, e-tempos and e-cars in India, he told the PSU and said MOIL must be preparedfor harnessing. In fact, the company should innovate to findnew uses of manganese ore, apart from steel making, dry cellbatteries and paints, he added.
Further, he advised MOIL that R&D efforts should aim fordevelopment of new technologies rather than updating or buyingtechnologies from others and there is a need to work onutilising every grade of ore gainfully including the lowestquality ore.
The minister assured that his ministry will support everyR&D initiative aimed at self-sufficiency and indigenisation.
Mineral exploration activities need to be speeded up forstrengthening the resource base in India.
MOIL can also examine the feasibility of using alternatemodes of ore transportation, which could be environmentfriendly and cost effective. For closure of mines, sandrequirement can be met by innovative means like collaborationwith local farmers, he said.
In view of increase in requirement for manganese forsteel production capacities up to 300 million tonnes andinsufficient availability of the ore in India, MOIL must alsoexplore the possibility of acquiring or taking stake inmanganese ore assets abroad, the minister said.
Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma, senior officials from theMinistry of Steel and top management of MOIL were among thosewho attended the meeting. PTI ABIMKJ.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.