NALCO mulls alumina smelter in South Africa

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Public sector National Aluminium Co Ltd (NALCO) today said it is mulling to set up an alumina smelter in South Africa and is considering similar projects in Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

''We are planning to build an alumina smelter in South Africa and are considering similar projects in Iran and Saudi Arabia,'' NALCO Director (Finance) B L Bagra told reporters here on the sidelines of a conference.

Meanwhile, he expected alumina exports to go up from eight lakh tonnes to nine lakh tonnes by March next year, while aluminium exports would rise to 1,05,000 tonnes from 1,01,000 tonnes during the same period.

The Director said the firm will take its surplus alumina to the countries, where it has or is plannig to set up its smelters.

NALCO added that it plans to mop up 70 million euros abroad by this month-end and use internal accruals to fund its Rs 5,000 crore expansion plan, Mr Bagra said.

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