Aluminium consumption likely to increase by 2010: AAI

Chennai, Oct 9 (UNI) As almost all global automobile majors had presence in India, the consumption of aluminium was expected to double by 2010 and the next decade, leading upto 2020, according to the Aluminium Association of India (AAI).

Association Secretary General K S S Murthy, in a statement here today, said the Industry was already growing at a healthy rate of 7.1 per cent, compared to three per cent growth in recent years.

In the coming years, as the automobile industry matures even more, it was evident that the demand for aluminium alloys and for other components would also ramp up, he said.

It was in this backdrop, the Association, with its partners, is holding a three-day seminar on "Aluminium Diecasting and the Second International Exhibition on Aluminium Diecasting Technology, Equipment and Supplies" at the Trade Centre here from October 17, he said.

"Indian Die Casting Indsutry is on fast track of growth since they are catering to global as well as domestic market and the growth will be 25 to 30 per cent every year. To compete in the global market, variety of casting alloys are to be developed and are made available to small as well as medium industries at an affordable quantity so as to make these industries sustainable and grow further", Prof Murthy said.

He said aluminium die casting was primarily used in the transport and automobile sector. While global castings consumption was currently estimated at around 7.4 million tonnes, it was only around 110,000 tonnes in India, indicating the wide scope.

Usuage of aluminium in other sectors was also on the rise and it was found that aluminium was the most suitable metal for all products, as it had many attributes, especially in combination with other metals, he said.

"This growth is expected to continue, especially in the transport sector, since it is known to contribute towards fuel efficiency and recycling properties", Prof Murthy said.

Considering all these issues, the seminar and the exhibition is likely to benefit those working in this sector such as primary and secondary producers, casting and forging industries and other users. Experts from the industry from across all sectors would be present to discuss and deliberate on pertinent issues, he added.

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