Press Briefs

Nalco celebrates 14th National Technology Day

Bhubaneswar, 11.05.2012: NALCO celebrated 14th National Technology Day at its Corporate Headquarters, Bhubaneswar on 11th May, 2012 with pump and ceremony. Professor Madhusudan Chakraborty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar was the Chief Guest of the function and delivered the 14th National Technology Day Lecture on “Poisoning and Fading Phenomena in the Grain Refinement of Aluminium & its Alloys”. Prof. Chakraborty highlighted the importance of Science and Technology development and their absorption in the country. He said that India has to go a long way in technology development and the country has the talents. He also emphasized on collaborative research. Finally he highlighted the development made in different types of Aluminium alloys and Grain refinement along with areas of applications. He stressed upon the need for development of such alloys and new materials in future.

Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO presided over the function and delivered the Presidential address on the occasion. In his Presidential address, Shri Bagra emphasized the importance of National Technology Day and stressed upon the change of mindset on R&D. He assured support for Nalco’s ensuing R&D Centre. He also said that R&D needs to be visible and suggested to take up a technological theme on Responsive Technology Development in 2013-14. Shri Ansuman Das, Director (Commercial) also highlighted the importance of Technology Day and India’s capabilities in technological excellence. He also suggested Nalco to take up a technological theme each year and also emphasized on development of Nalco R&D Centre. Shri N.R. Mohanty, Director (Project & Technical), addressing on this occasion, stressed upon encouragement to be given to R&D and the people in the Deptt. He also stressed on selecting right people to this cadre so that Nalco could be self-reliant in developing as well as absorbing technology. At the outset, Shri P.K. Mohapatra, ED (P&T) introduced Professor Chakraborty, Director, IIT, Bhubaneswar.

Town Official Language Implementation Committee Meeting at Nalco

Bhubaneswar, 02/05/2012:The second meeting of Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC), Bhubaneswar-2, recognised by the Department of Official Language, Govt. of India, was held at Nalco Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar on April 30. Nalco, presided over the meeting. Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director,Nalco, presided over the meeting.

At the outset, Shri Sudarsan Tarai, Secretary of the Committee delivered the welcome address and highlighted the decisions taken during the last meeting. The proceedings of the meeting emphasized on the popularization of Hindi as the Official Language across the country and enhance usage in day-to-day official activities. The representatives of Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Airport Authority, Central Excise & Customs Dept., Central Reserve Police, Software Technology Park, National Cooperative Development Dept. and Meteorology Dept. participated in the programme.

Eminent Scientists, Technologists, Engineers, drawn from various organizations and NALCO officials participated in the event.

Dr. B.K. Satpathy, GM (R&D) coordinated the function on behalf of the company.

17th All Odisha Quality Circle Convention by NALCO

Bhubaneswar: 27/04/2012:The 17th All Odisha Quality Circle Convention was organized by NALCO on April 25 and 26, at Nalco Nagar, Bhubaneswar. The QC Convention is being organized by NALCO since 1996 with an aim to spread the Quality Circle movement in Odisha, and also to provide a platform for competition to encourage the best Quality Circles & TPM Circles operating in the State. This year, the convention witnessed participation of 34 Quality Circles and 6 TPM Circles from 25 different industries of Odisha, who shared their case studies through presentations.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Ansuman Das, Director (Commercial), NALCO. On this occasion, senior officials of NALCO including Shri S.S. Mahapatra, Director (Production), Shri K.S. Sreedhara, Executive Director (Production), Shri P.K.Pattnaik, GM (TQM) and Shri D.K. Srivastava, Executive Director, QCFI were also present. On the concluding day, Shri N.R. Mohanty, Director (P & T) of NALCO, was the chief guest and handed over the prizes to the winning teams. On this occasion, Prof. R.P. Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor, S ‘O’A University delivered the keynote address.

The NALCO Trophy and Gold Plaque were won by Quality Circle 'DISCOVERY' of NALCO, while Quality Circle 'SHREEKHETRA' of HAL, Engine Division, Sunabeda emerged as the Runner-up and won the Silver Plaque. Among the TPM Circles,'SUBSTATION' of TATA Steel, East Iron Ore Mines, Joda was the winner and bagged the Gold Plaque, while 'PARIBARTAN' of Balasore Alloys, Balgopalpur was the Runner-up winning the Silver Plaque. Quality Circles 'INDUSTRIAL EARS' of OCL India, Cement Division, Rajgangpur and 'EDISON' of Tata Steel, Chromite Mines, Sukinda received awards for Meritorious Performance. Special Prizes for “Best Analysis & Process”, “Best Effectiveness & Result” and “Best Learning Experience” were won by Quality Circles 'ARYAN' of HINDALCO Power, Sambalpur, 'PRARAMBHA' of Rourkela Steel Plant, Rourkela and 'DIPTI' of NTPC, Talcher, respectively.

Mines Minister visits NPCIL-NALCO JV Project in Gujarat

Bhubaneswar: 24/04/2012: Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Union Mines Minister paid a visit to the proposed Rs.11,500 crore Joint Venture project of newly launched NPCIL-NALCO Power Company, in Gujarat on April 16. The Minister reviewed the construction of Kakarpar Atomic Power Plant (KAPP) – 3 & 4 and expressed satisfaction over the progress of the project. He was accompanied by Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Shri S.A. Bhardwaj, Director (Technical), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and other officials.

It may be mentioned that NPCIL and NALCO have formed a new company in joint venture namely NPCIL-NALCO Power Company Limited. The new JV company, was incorporated on March 2, 2012. in the newly formed company, which is proposed to be enhanced to 49% subsequently. The balance stake will be controlled by NPCIL, the sole producer of nuclear power in India. Both the companies have already selected Kakrapar Units 3 & 4 of 700 MW each in Surat district of Gujarat as their first JV project with an estimated project cost of Rs.11,500 crore. The project will utilize indigenously developed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) and is scheduled to be commissioned by December, 2015. As per the JV agreement, NALCO has 26% stake.

Nalco Foundation pays Rs.2 cr advance for ITI in Damanjodi

Bhubaneswar, 12/04/2012:Nalco Foundation, the CSR arm of National Aluminium Company Limited, has decided to sponsor an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) to be established at Marichamal in tribal-dominated Damanjodi of Koraput district, at an estimated cost of Rs.4.08 crore. Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman, Nalco Foundation, handed over an advance cheque of Rs.2 crore for initial mobilization to Shri B.K. Patnaik, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha, here today.

The ITI is being set up in Damanjodi sector to impart technical education to the rural youth to enhance their employability. This intervention is being considered to be a significant step in mainstreaming the tribal youth by equipping them with vocational skills. Directorate of Technical Education & Training, Odisha (DTE&T) has accorded approval for the establishment of the institute. While the land required for the purpose shall be provided by the District Administration, Nalco Foundation has agreed to bear the infrastructure cost.

NALCO’S TAKE ON PROPOSED MINES BILL

Bhubaneswar, 07/04/2012: Shri B.L. Bagra, the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), has welcomed the provisions for sharing of profits and additional royalty on mining in the proposed Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill. However, he has stressed on developing a robust mechanism for proper utilization of the funds for achieving the stated objective. He said this while attending a seminar organized by Policy Development Initiatives in New Delhi on Thursday.

Shri Bagra expressed his concern over the utilization of the Periphery Development Fund for the people affected by mining activities. “Sharing 26% of the profit is not a big issue. But scepticism is about the mechanism to use the fund for the purpose it is intended,” Shri Bagra said. “Unless a robust mechanism to ensure that the funds collected through this mechanism should be used for the purpose of the people for whose benefit it is intended, this will remain another tax without meeting the target or the objective,” Shri Bagra added. Since the amount of funds may be huge, it requires appropriate checks and balances to ensure proper usage.

NALCO, as a socially responsible corporate citizen, has been providing 1% of its net profit every year to the Rehabilitation and Periphery Development Advisory Committees (RPDACs) set up by Govt. of Odisha. Till 2011-12 fiscal, the company has allocated Rs.140.06 crore through RPDACs at Koraput and Angul for various periphery development activities. However, this process is yet to come out with the desired impact on the people living in the periphery villages. The recent amendment by State Govt. in the guidelines pertaining to allocation of funds through RPDACs, has specifically mentioned that not less than 70% of the periphery development fund will be allocated for the concerned Gram Panchayat in which the project is situated. It has further stated that not more than 20% of the periphery development fund will be allocated for periphery development activities in the concerned Block and not less than 10% of the fund will be allocated for the rest of the areas of the concerned District. It is expected that these guidelines would help improve the utilization of the periphery development fund being allocated by NALCO.

Going a step further in this direction, NALCO has also set up a standalone Foundation in 2010-11 for strengthening CSR activities and take up projects within 15 km radius of its plants and mining areas. The company allocates an additional 1% of its net profit to the Foundation, which has been registered under the Indian Trusts Act. The Foundation is based on the Guidelines on CSR for CPSEs issued in March 2010 by the Department of Public Enterprises, Govt. of India. As directed therein, since NALCO’s profit is more than Rs.500 crore, its CSR expenditure range should be from 0.5% to 2% of the net profit. NALCO has opted for the maximum by setting up the Foundation. In this line, the company has allocated an additional Rs.18.83 crore (the amount which was allocated for peripheral development activities through RPDACs) for 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscals. These funds are much more than the proposed 26% of mining profit and not lapsable at the end of the financial year.

NALCO ACHIEVES HIGHEST-EVER BAUXITE & ALUMINA PRODUCTION

Bhubaneswar, 2.04.2012:National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), the Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has reported excellent results in terms of bauxite and alumina production for the year 2011-12. The company has achieved the highest-ever bauxite production of 50.03 lakh tonnes,against the previous best of 48.79 lakh tonnes achieved in 2009-10. Besides, NALCO’s Alumina Refinery has produced 16.87 lakh tonnes of alumina hydrate, which is an all-time high, against the previous best of 15.92 lakh MT achieved in 2009-10. However, during the year, the metal production of the company slumped marginally from 4.44 lakh tonnes to 4.13 lakh tonnes.

According to Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, besides coal shortage, the dwindling LME prices of metal, forced the company to cut down its production of metal to some extent. “It was not commercially viable to produce more metal using expensive imported coal,” Shri Bagra said. “However, the Smelter has achieved a capacity utilization of 90% since remaining of pots are under shut down since September 2011, due to coal constraint, ” he added. The net power generation by company’s Captive Power Plant was 6,200 million units.

On the sales front, during the fiscal, NALCO has recorded 415,916 tonnes of cast metal sale, against 438,952 tonnes in the previous year. Moreover, during the year, the company achieved the alumina hydrate sale of 842,396 tonnes, against 681,917 in 2010-11. Aluminium export by the company stood at 98,399 tonnes this year, against 98,200 tonnes achieved in the last financial year. It may be mentioned here that the Smelter Plant of the company started production of Chequered Sheet, a new variety of rolled products and it was sold in the domestic market for the first time in 2011-12 fiscal.

Performance Highlights

• Highest-ever bauxite production of 50.03 lakh tonnes

• Highest-ever alumina hydrate production of 16.87 lakh tonnes

NALCO FELICITATES SPORTSPERSONS

Bhubaneswar: 02/04/2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) felicitated Kabaddi player Ms. Rashmita Sahoo and hockey player Ms. Deep Grace Ekka, to mark the Utkal Divas celebrations, at Nalconagar here yesterday. Ms. Sahoo represented National Women’s Kabaddi team in World Championship that was held at Patna this year. Ms. Ekka represented under-18 Indian Women’s Hockey Team, which won the Asia Cup held at Bangkok.

Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD of NALCO in the presence of Shri Joy Varghese, Director (P&A), Shri Ansuman Das, Director (Commercial) and Shri S.S. Mahapatra, Director (Production), handed over a memento and a cheque of Rs.10,000/ to each awardee. The company has been felicitating upcoming sportspersons of Odisha every year on the occasion of Utkal Divas.

NALCO PAYS Rs.202 CRORE AS INTERIM DIVIDEND TO GOVERNMENT

Bhubaneswar, 28/03/2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU, under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has declared an interim dividend of 18%, i.e. Rs.0.90 per share of Rs.5 each, amounting to Rs.231.95 crore for the financial year 2011-12, on the paid-up equity share capital of Rs.1288.62 crore. Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Mines, was presented a National Electronic Clearing Service (NECS) advice amounting to Rs.202.14 crore as interim dividend on the 87.15% shares held by the Govt of India, in New Delhi today. Shri Vishwapati Trivedi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Govt of India and from NALCO, Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD & Shri S.S.Mahapatra, Director (Production) were notably present on the occasion.

NALCO, which started its commercial operations in 1987 has been earning profits consistently and has been declaring dividends since 1992. For the year 2010-11, the company had declared a total dividend of Rs.257.72 crore. The company had earned a net profit of Rs.1069 crore during the year 2010-11. During the current financial year 2011-12, the company has provisionally earned a net profit of Rs.567.40 crore up to December 2011. The 18% interim dividend is being paid on enlarged capital base after split and bonus issue last year.

Since its inception, NALCO has paid Rs.4171.25 crore as dividend including Rs.3637.16 crore to Govt. of India. In addition, the company had also repaid an amount of Rs.644.31 crore to its shareholders during 1999 by reducing the capital base by 50%.

Finally, the Minister advised NALCO authorities to take care of the local needs of Angul-Talcher area and assured support of District Administration to maintain harmony.

Shri R.K. Singh, MLA, Angul, Shri Khageshwar Behera, MLA, Chhendipada, Shri R.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Forests & Environment, Shri Dinesh Singh, Director-Environment, Shri Siddhanta Das, Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board, Odisha were notably present in this meeting. On behalf of NALCO, Shri S.S. Mahapatra, Director (Production) and Shri K.S. Sreedhara, Executive Director (Production) accompanied Shri Bagra.

NALCO TO PAY 18% INTERIM DIVIDEND AMOUNTING TO RS.232 CR

Bhubaneswar, 20.03.2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU, under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has declared an interim dividend of 18%, i.e. Rs.0.90 per share of Rs.5 each, amounting to Rs.231.95 crore for the financial year 2011-12, on the paid-up equity share capital of Rs.1288.62 crore. This has been approved in the meeting of the company’s Board of Directors held here today.

NALCO, which started its commercial operations in 1987 has been earning profits consistently and has been declaring dividends since 1992. For the year 2010-11, the company had declared a total dividend of Rs.257.72 crore. The company had earned a net profit of Rs.1069 crore during the year 2010-11. During the current financial year 2011-12, the company has provisionally earned net profit of Rs.567.40 crore up to December 2011. The 18% declared today would be paid on enlarged capital base after split and bonus issue last year.

Since its inception, NALCO has paid Rs.4171.25 crore as dividend including Rs.3637.16 crore to Govt. of India.

2012-13 NALCO Targets Rs.7073 cr Sales Turnover

Bhubaneswar, 19.03.2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India regarding physical and financial targets for the 2012-13 fiscal. As per the MoU signed today in New Delhi between Shri Vishwapati Trivedi, Bagra, CMD, NALCO, the sales turnover target has been fixed at Rs. 7073 crore, which is Rs. 500 crore higher than that of the current fiscal.

As regards physical performance, NALCO has projected annual production target of 63 lakh tonnes for Bauxite and 21 lakh tonnes of Alumina Hydrate from its Mines & Refinery Complex at Damanjodi. Aluminium production from the company’s Smelter has been projected at 4.50 lakh tonnes and power generation at 6842 million units from its Captive Power Plant at Angul.

The MoU underscores special weightage towards CSR, Sustainable Development, R&D and Corporate Governance. In addition, NALCO has set targets to establish and commission Nuclear Power Project in JV with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL), 2nd Wind Power Project of 50 MW capacity and a 15 MW Solar Power Project.

NPCIL-NALCO Power Company Incorporated

Bhubaneswar, 16.03.2012:Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has formed a new company in joint venture with National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). The new JV company, namely NPCIL-NALCO Power Company Limited has been incorporated on 2nd March 2012. The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the JV company was held today in Bhubaneswar.

NPCIL and NALCO signed a joint venture agreement in November last to form a Joint Venture company for the establishment of Nuclear Power Plants in India. As per the JV agreement, NALCO has 26% stake in the newly formed company, which is proposed to be enhanced to 49% subsequently. The balance stake will be controlled by NPCIL, the sole producer of nuclear power in India. Both the companies have already selected Kakrapar Units 3 & 4 of 700 MW each in Surat district of Gujarat as their first JV project with an estimated project cost of Rs.11,500 crore. The project will utilize indigenously developed Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). The construction work has already started and the project is scheduled to be commissioned by December, 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, who represents NALCO on the Board, said that the incorporation of the new joint venture company is a milestone in NALCO’s endeavour to diversify into power sector and to harness the clean energy source.

NALCO BAGS 3 AWARDS AT WORLD HRD CONGRESS

Bhubaneswar, 17.02.2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has bagged three prestigious awards: ‘CEO with HR Orientation’, ‘HR Leadership Award’ and ‘Organization with Innovative HR Practices’ at the Global HR Excellence Awards ceremony during World HRD Congress – 2012, being held at Mumbai from 16th to 18th February.

While Shri B.L.Bagra, CMD, NALCO received the ‘CEO with HR Orientation’ and ‘Organisation with Innovative HR Practices’ awards, Shri Joy Varghese, Director (Personnel & Administration), received the ‘HR Leadership Award’.

The theme of this year’s World HRD Congress is ‘Survive & Thrive’. The congress is attended and represented by several leading Industry Leaders, CEOs, Business Heads, HR professionals and Management consultants from around the world.

Nalco Foundation signs MoU with Wockhardt Foundation for Healthcare

Bhubaneswar, 16/02/2012:As part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has been making significant contributions for the development of periphery villages around company’s production units and proposed mining sites.

Going a step further, Nalco Foundation, the CSR arm of the company and Mumbai-based Wockhardt Foundation signed an MoU to start mobile healthcare facilities in Damanjodi sector.

The mobile healthcare unit was flagged off by Shri S.S. Mahapatra, Director (Production), NALCO, today at Damanjodi in the presence of Shri R.C. Das, Executive Director I/c, Shri A Chakraborty, GM(Mines), Shri S.K. Roy, GM(O&M), Shri C.L. Patra, GM(H&A), Dr. S. Mishra, DGM(Medical) and representatives of both the Foundations.

The MoU was signed yesterday at Bhubaneswar by Shri K.N. Ravindra, Secretary, Nalco Foundation and Shri Akshay Hudar, CEO, Mobile-1000, in the presence of Shri N.R. Mohanty, Director (P&T), Shri P.K. Mohanty, IAS, CVO, Shri K.S. Sreedhara, ED(Production), Shri P.C. Panigrahi, GM(H&A) and others.

NALCO’s Q3 Net Profit: Rs. 51 crore Sales Turnover: Rs. 1528 crore

Bhubaneswar, 06.02.2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU of Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has announced the results for the 3rd quarter ended December 2011.

According to the reviewed financial results for 3rd quarter of the financial year 2011-12, taken on record by the Board of Directors in a meeting held in Bhubaneswar today, the company has registered a net profit of Rs.51.22 crore, down 80%, against Rs.255.95 crore achieved during the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. The sales turnover rose marginally to Rs.1527.86 crore, against Rs.1523.31 crore registered during the comparative quarter of the previous fiscal. The net profit and sales for the 9 months ended December 2011 work out to Rs.567.40 crore and Rs.5068.24 crore respectively, against the corresponding figures of Rs.764.04 crore and Rs. 4460.22 crore of the previous fiscal.

According to Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, the dip in net profit is primarily because of lower prices of products linked to LME, increase in prices of input raw materials and fuel, and also due to one-time arrear payment following the long-term wage settlement with unions. On the production front, during the first nine months, the company produced 3.09 lakh tonnes of metal, as against 3.33 lakh tonnes achieved during the comparable period of the previous fiscal, due to about 120 pots having been taken off the stream. However, the alumina hydrate production was up at 11.77 lakh tonnes, against 11.41 lakh tonnes and the bauxite production was up at 37.08 lakh tonnes, against 34.79 lakh tonnes, during the comparable nine months of the previous fiscal.

N.R. Mohanty is NALCO’s new Director (P & T)

Bhubaneswar, 01/02/2012: Shri N.R. Mohanty, GM (Smelter), NALCO, Angul has joined as the Director (Projects & Technical) of the company on superannuation of Shri P.K. Padhi, from 1st February 2012.

After completing his Engineering in Mechanical discipline from NIT Rourkela as best Graduate of Sambalpur University in 1980, Shri Mohanty started his career from Larsen & Toubro (L&T). He also worked in BALCO before joining National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) in December 1986. He has held different positions in company’s Smelter Plant and Corporate Office.

Shri Mohanty has rich and varied experiences of more than 30 years in aluminium industry. He has been conferred with several awards and recognitions throughout his professional career.Shri Mohanty is the son of Smt. Kanaklata Mohanty & late Kishori Charan Mohanty and son-in-law of Smt. Kadambini Mohanty and late Shasibhusan Mohanty.With Shri Mohanty joining as Director (P & T), NALCO’s Board of Directors has been further strengthened.

Flower Show by Nalco

Bhubaneswar, 23.01.2012:National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) organized ‘Basant Pushpa Pradarshani’, its annual Flower & Vegetable Show at Nalco Nagar, Bhubaneswar on 21st and 22nd January 2012. Company’s CMD Shri B.L. Bagra inaugurated the show in the presence of Director (P & A) Shri Joy Varghese. Shri Ansuman Das, Director (Commercial), Nalco handed over the prizes to the winners at the concluding function yesterday. As many as 21 institutions and 144 individuals participated in the show and competed in 146 categories. While AG Odisha emerged as the Champion among the institutions, Ms. Snigdharani Rout was the Winner among the individuals.

Montek Singh Ahluwalia to deliver Nalco Foundation Day Lecture

Bhubaneswar, 05/01/2012: Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Govt. of India will deliver the 11th Edition of Nalco Foundation Day Lecture Series on 6th January 2012 at 4.30 PM at Nalco Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. Shri B.K. Patnaik, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha will preside over the meeting.

NALCO MARATHON

Bhubaneswar, 18/12/2011:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navaratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, organised ‘Nalco Marathon’ today as part of celebrating 30 Years of Corporate Excellence. The marathon was formally flagged off by company’s Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri B.L. Bagra at Nalco Bhavan. Nalco employees and their family members participated in this marathon, which ended at Nalco Nagar. The marathon showcased the unity and dedication of Nalco collective in achieving corporate excellence. Shri Bagra gave away the trophies to the winners. Among others, Shri Joy Varghese, Director (P & A), Shri P.K. Padhi, Director (P & T), Shri Ansuman Das, Director (Commercial) and Shri S.S. Mahapatra, Director (Production) were present on the occasion.

NALCO SMELTER BAGS NATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARD

Bhubaneswar, 16/12/2011:The Smelter Plant of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has bagged the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award for the year 2011. Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO, received the award from Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Minister of Power, during a function held today at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, to mark the National Energy Conservation Day. The function was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh.

NALCO’s smelter received the award for its contribution in energy conservation, primarily in reduction of DC energy and HFO consumption in Potlines and Baking Oven.

It may be mentioned here that NALCO has always paid importance to energy conservation through its operations at its plants and units. Going a step further, the company has also taken up some green initiatives to harness unconventional energy sources. In this line, NALCO is setting up a 50 MW Wind Power Plant in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of Rs.274 crore and is developing Kakarpar – 3 & 4 nuclear power project in Gujarat jointly with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) at an estimated project cost of Rs.11,450 crore.

NALCO SIGNS JV AGREEMENT WITH NPCIL FOR NUCLEAR PLANT

Bhubaneswar, 09/11/2011:National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) today signed a joint venture agreement at Mumbai to form a Joint venture company for establishment of Nuclear Power Plants in India. Both the companies have already selected Kakrapar units 3 & 4 of 700 MW each in Gujarat as their first JV project where the construction work has already started. Dr. S. K. Jain, CMD, NPCIL welcomed the move to partner with NALCO in its journey to enhance the power generation capacity in nuclear sector to cater the ever growing energy needs of India and hoped that the scope of the JVC will further be enlarged to embrace more projects.

Shri B. L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO in his address underlined NALCO’s plans for diversification to power sector and to harness the clean energy source as Nuclear and Wind Power. The signing of the JV agreement is considered as the foundation stone for formation of the JV company and is a milestone in NALCO’s endeavour to diversify in Power sector.

Under the JV agreement signed today, NALCO would have 49% equity stake out of which 26% equity would be contributed now which would be enhanced later to 49%. The balance 51% would be controlled by NPCIL. Meanwhile, NALCO‘s 50 MW wind power project is at advanced stage of construction in Andhra Pradesh. The company has also plans to bid for 4000 MW UMPP in Odisha and has been pre-qualified for the project. The signing ceremony was attended by Director (Project) and Director (HR) of NPCIL and Director (P&T) of NALCO besides senior officers from both companies.

NALCO'S 2nd QUARTER PROFIT AT Rs. 139 CRORE, DOWN BY 38%

Bhubaneswar, 12.11.2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU of Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has announced the results for the 2nd quarter ended September 2011.

According to the reviewed financial results for the 2nd quarter of the financial year 2011-12 taken on record in the meeting held in Bhubaneswar today, Nalco has registered a net profit of Rs.139.34 crore, as against Rs.224.04 crore in the same quarter previous fiscal. The sales turnover, however, surged by about 9% to Rs.1689.38 crore against Rs.1548.75 crore in the comparative quarter of last year on higher sale prices of alumina and aluminium.

The less than expected results are mainly due to lesser and poor quality of coal supplied by Coal India during the quarter, which forced the company to use more expensive imported coal, use purchased power from State Grid and also use HFO in more quantity. The additional impact of power and fuel on operating cost during the quarter was Rs.149 crore.

However, the net profit and sales turnover for the 1st half of 2011-12 have increased to Rs.516.18 crore and Rs.3540.38 crore, respectively, from the corresponding figures of Rs.508.09 crore and Rs.2936.91 crore achieved during the first six months of the previous fiscal.

NALCO INSTITUTES WATER STUDY FOR SMELTER IN SUNDARGARH

Bhubaneswar, 01/11/2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has engaged Lahmeyer International for conducting water availability study for its proposed Greenfield smelter in Sundargarh district. NALCO was advised by the State Govt to look for new sites after its proposal to build the 2nd smelter in Odisha near Jharsuguda was not considered due to crowding of smelting industries in the region and the attendant pollution.

According to Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, the company expects to get State Govt.’s nod to set up the plant in Sundargrah district, if the study establishes availability of adequate water. NALCO requires around 90000 m3 of water per day for the proposed project. The study report would be available by December this year and the company would review the project size and composition based on the findings, Shri Bagra added.

NALCO OBSERVES VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK

Bhubaneswar: 31/10/2011: National Aluminium Company (NALCO) observed the Vigilance Awareness Week in its sites and offices. This year, the focus has been on participative vigilance, wherein everybody has a stake to create a corruption-free society and implementing good governance in corporate sectors.

Inaugurating the week-long programme here today, Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, along with Shri Joy Varghese, Director (P&A) and Shri P.K. Mohanty, IAS, CVO, NALCO, administered the pledge among the employees in three different languages.

Shri U.S. Mishra, IPS, former Director, CBI and Prof. S.N. Mishra (Rtd.), Utkal University were invited as esteemed speakers on the occasion. Both of them emphasized on the need for participative vigilance and urged Nalco to become role model for others in following corporate governance.

NALCO PAYS DIVIDEND

Bhubaneswar, 18.10.2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India has declared a total dividend payout of Rs.257.72 crore which includes the final dividend of Rs.0.50 per equity share capital i.e. 10% on face value of Rs.5 each, in addition to interim dividend of Rs.2.00 per equity share paid on pre-revised equity share capital i.e. 20% on face value of Rs.10 each. This sum is 60% higher than Rs.161.08 crore paid for the previous fiscal. The company has earned a profit after tax of Rs.1069 crore for the year 2010-11.

Since inception, NALCO has paid Rs.3940 crore as dividend, including Rs.3435 crore as share of Govt of India. The dividend servicing after recent split and bonus has thus improved due to better business environment.

The final dividend cheque amounting to Rs.112.30 crore on the 87.15% shares held by the Govt. of India was handed over to Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines, Govt. of India by Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, in New Delhi today, in the presence of Shri S. Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Shri S.K. Srivastava, Additional Secretary and other senior officials of the Ministry and the company. The balance amount of Rs. 16.56 crore is payable to other shareholders of the company like banks, financial institutions and individual shareholders etc.

During 2010-11, NALCO earned a profit after tax of Rs.1069 crore, as compared to Rs.814 crore in the previous year, resulting in a jump of 31%. Similarly, the sales revenue at Rs.5959 crore was higher by 18%, as compared to the previous fiscal.

TENURE OF B.L. BAGRA, CMD, NALCO EXTENDED

Bhubaneswar, 11/10/2011: The tenure of Shri B.L. Bagra as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) has been extended upto December 2011. Shri Bagra, Director (Finance) of the company was given this additional charge in February this year.

Shri B.L. Bagra joined Nalco as Director (Finance) in 2007, and since then has been instrumental in creating VISION 2020 for the Company and a long-term Corporate Plan. Besides, he has successfully initiated various growth oriented greenfield projects and brownfield projects. A Chartered Accountant, Shri Bagra has 34 years of rich experience in transport, mining, power and seeds sectors. Prior to Nalco, he was with RITES as Director (Finance), and is credited with developing the privatization and concession division there. He is also credited for being successful in putting up joint ventures and bagging concessions of and developing railway systems in Colombia, Mozambique and Tanzania when in RITES.

Beginning his career with the Rajasthan State Electricity Board in 1977, Shri Bagra has since worked in various capacities in organizations such as Rajasthan State Seeds Corporation Ltd, Manganese Ore (India) Ltd, and Botswana Railways. It may be mentioned that Shri Bagra has also been entrusted by the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, the additional charge of Managing Director of Bharat Gold Mines Limited, in 2008.

Leakage in NALCO’s Ash Pond Arrested

Bhubaneswar, 10/10/2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has successfully arrested the leakage in its ash pond in Angul. On early hours today, leakage of ash was observed from Ash Pond No.2. Leakage was observed in the outlet of a relief well provided. The seepage of ash water was very minimal which was brought under control in less than two hours. The periphery road provided by the company around the pond for surveillance purpose was slightly damaged due to this leakage and has also been repaired by noon hours.

During monsoon and post monsoon period, due to heavy rainfall subsidence of ash pond dykes are experienced. This incident of is one such occurrence. The alert team of NALCO was able to identify the seepage quickly and took corrective actions immediately on priority. There was no leakage from the ash ponds of the company during monsoon season.

From the above reported seepage, there has been no pollution to the nearby villages or agricultural lands or water bodies and other water sources.

NALCO authorities have assured that the ash ponds under use are in good health and are under constant vigilant supervision of their officials.

NALCO bags Top Export CAPEXIL Award for 2010-11

Bhubaneswar, 03/10/2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), the Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has once again proved its laurels in the field of export of its products in the global market. The company has bagged the Top Export Award of CAPEXIL, for its outstanding export performance during the year 2010-11. On behalf of the company, Shri P. K. Parida, Executive Director (Marketing), received the award from Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minisiter of State for Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, in Mumbai on 30th September, 2011.

During the fiscal 2010-11, NALCO exported 639,855 MT alumina and 98,200 MT aluminium to different countries earning Rs. 2,065 crore.

It may be mentioned that NALCO has bridged the demand-supply gap in the country by saving the outflow of foreign exchange and has given the country a new identity, a formidable presence in the international market. The company is exporting its products including calcined alumina and aluminium metal to 15 countries across the globe.

S.S.Mohapatra: NALCO’s new Director (Production)

Bhubaneswar, 01/10/2011: Shri S.S.Mohapatra, GM (Production), NALCO, Angul has joined as the new Director (Production) of the company on superannuation of Shri A.K.Sharma, from October 2011.

After completing his B.Sc. (Engg) in Mechanical discipline, Shri Mohapatra started his career from M/s. Pressels Pvt Ltd. and joined National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) in October 1982. Subsequently, he acquired Post-Graduate Diploma in Materials Management from IIMM, Bangalore and LL.B. from Utkal University.

Shri Mohapatra has rich and varied experiences spanning over 33 years in industries from boiler manufacturing industries to aluminium industries.

Shri Mohapatra while working at NALCO has significantly contributed towards technology upgradation, indigenous development of proactive & predictive maintenance systems, turnaround in casting & rolling facilities. His involvement in quality, environment and occupational health management is commendable. Shri Mohapatra is Fellow of Institution of Engineers (India), and Life member of Indian Institute of Metals.

With Shri Mohapatra joining as Director (Production), NALCO’s Board of Directors has been further strengthened.

Speech of Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO at the 30th Annual General Meeting, held at Corporate Office on 29th Sepetember 2011

Bhubaneswar, 29/09/2011: It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the 30th Annual General Meeting of the company. The Directors’ Report and the Audited Accounts for the year ended March 31, 2011, together with Auditors’ Report of the company are with you, and with your kind permission, I take them as read.

After covering a journey of three decades, as an organization we should take stock of our endeavours and achievements. On this occasion, I wish to share with you my assessment of this journey. The company has performed extremely well on financial front with regular profits and serving shareholders with good dividends and recent bonus award as well. The company has carved a niche for itself in aluminium industry at global level with its quality products and transparent marketing practices. We can take legitimate pride in achieving an all-round appreciation for our efforts in taking care of our surrounding environment, nature and people. However, I believe that the company could perform better in some other areas like expanding capacities, exploiting business opportunities in sectors of mining and metals, diversification, technology updation and project management. I am confident that with such an introspection, the company would move forward with a fresh determination to seize opportunities, harnessing its latent strengths.

I take this opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts on the economic scenario of the country, the aluminium industry in particular, on how your company is positioned and its plans for the future.

THE ECONOMY

Indian economy has been growing at a rate close to 8 percent, the second fastest growth in the world after China. India’s GDP at factor cost at constant prices registered an increase of 8.5 percent in the year 2010-11. This growth is only a shade below the advance estimates that had pegged GDP growth for the fiscal at 8.6 percent. This slight dip in GDP growth can be attributed to weaker performance in industrial sectors than what was anticipated earlier. The economy was expected to grow at about 9 percent in 2011-12 at the beginning of the year but owing to fast changing, rather worsening, scenario in western economies, the estimate has been gradually reduced to 8 percent and even this appears ambitious. While the industry grew at 7.9 percent in 2010-11, it is likely to nurture at 7 percent only, during the present fiscal.

The inflation in the economy continues to be a cause for concern. Despite large-scale tightening of the monetary policy by the RBI and other steps taken by the Government, inflation continues to remain close to the double-digit mark. High international oil and food prices, and hike in Minimum Support Prices for the upcoming agriculture season at home, are some of the factors that constitute the upside risks to inflation.

The strong momentum in exports, seen particularly during the second half of 2010-11, continued in early 2011-12 as well. While this strong start in present fiscal was encouraging, there are indications that this high growth will not be sustainable in the months ahead. Rising interest rates, rising raw materials costs and oil prices, withdrawal of incentive schemes like Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) and likely slowdown in western and also in some Asian economies are among the reasons that have tempered the outlook for exports.

In 2010-11, foreign investment flows into India saw a dip of about 17 percent over the previous year. This dip was largely on account of a slowdown seen in case of FDI. While in 2009-10 the FDI inflows into India totalled US$ 37.7 billion, in 2010-11 this figure came down to US$ 27 billion.

ALUMINIUM SCENARIO

The global aluminium industry in 2010 was affected by diverse multifaceted economic, political, structural and fundamental factors that had a bearing on the price of aluminium and the mechanism of price determination in alumina.

During the year 2010, the world consumption of alumina was 82.2 million tonnes against the world production of 81.7 million tonnes, thereby showing a deficit of 0.5 million tonnes. The world alumina production and consumption grew by approximately 10.6 percent and 11.6 percent respectively during 2010 as compared to 2009. On the contrary, the Chinese alumina production registered an increase of about 24.6 percent over 2009 production. In 2010, the spot price of alumina averaged around US$ 345 a tonne, approximately 39 percent higher than the prices in 2009. This reflected strong demand for alumina, stemming from growth in aluminium production. Alumina refining capacity remained well ahead of production in 2010, yielding a utilization rate of 83 percent.

During 2010, a number of large alumina producers announced their intention to sell output on the spot market, based on certain fundamental linked indexes rather than traditional contracts linked to the aluminium price. This trend is expected to gain ground rather slowly over the medium term and analysts perceive the number of contract-based sales to decline. During the year 2010, the world consumption of primary aluminium was 41 million tonnes against world supply of 42 million tonnes, showing a surplus of 1 million tonnes. The world supply grew by approximately 10.3 percent while the consumption grew by 16.4 percent during 2010 as compared to 2009.

Despite stronger demand, the market continued to be characterized by a large inventory overhang, both on-warrant at LME Warehouses and off-warrant at Producers stockyards, with limited movements during the year. However, it has been a generic nature of the industry as around 70 to 80 percent of the stock remained tied up in financing deals.

DOMESTIC OUTLOOK

The domestic aluminium supply will continue to witness more metal from the expanded capacities of the producers. The domestic demand is expected to continue its strong showing, on the back of a robust industrial growth. It is anticipated that the market will grow at about 9 percent. According to analysts, aluminium industry in India would be oversupplied, considering that major aluminium projects would begin commercial production, with about 2 million tonnes surplus.

INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

Demand for aluminum in 2011 would be affected by monetary policy tightening by China, thereby affecting growth in manufacturing and industrial activities. Industry experts have anticipated 2011 to be a year of uncertainty and volatile prices. Aluminum prices could come under pressure as production of the metal in China, the world’s top aluminum market is expected to grow at a whopping 24 percent this year to around 20 million tonnes. The aluminium price may continue to react to macro-economic news, thereby averaging around $2300 to $2600 a tonne during 2011.

In 2011, alumina spot prices are forecast to increase by 12 percent to average around US$ 390 a tonne. World consumption of alumina is forecast to rise, supported by the construction of new smelters in China, India and the Middle East. The alumina market is expected to remain roughly in balance in 2012, with spot prices in the range of $350 to $370 a tonne, subject to changes in the LME aluminium price and the success of the Index-based pricing.

NALCO’s PERFORMANCE

Production

You will be pleased to know that Aluminium Smelter and Captive Power Plant of your company recorded the highest-ever production during the year. The level of capacity utilization at Mines was 100.5 percent with a production of 48.24 lakh tonnes; Alumina Refinery was 98.8 percent with 15.56 lakh tonnes; Aluminium Smelter was 96.4 percent with 4.44 lakh tonnes and Captive Power Plant was 91.7 percent with 6608 million units. The slight decrease in alumina hydrate production at Refinery, as compared to 15.91 lakh tonnes achieved in the previous fiscal, was due to shutdown of plant for taking hook-up jobs under expansion project and taking up a few pending maintenance jobs. Bauxite transportation was in line with the demand of Alumina Refinery for achieving the near rated capacity.

Sales

You will be pleased to know that your company achieved the highest-ever domestic metal sale of 340,752 tonnes surpassing the previous record of 289,032 tonnes achieved in 2009-10 and was 17.9 percent higher than the last year. Total metal sale of your company during the year under report was 438,952 tonnes, which is the highest-ever, surpassing the previous best of 435,979 tonnes achieved during the previous year. This has been possible due to rise in demand for aluminium and improvement in company’s share in the domestic market. Besides, your company also widened its international customer base for metal by adding new overseas clients during the year.

In the value-added segment, the company sold 20,126 tonnes of rolled products, surpassing the previous highest sale of 15,092 tonnes achieved in 2009-10. During the year, your company exported 4,614 tonnes of billets, after a gap of almost a decade. You will be happy to note that your company added T-ingot to its product range, which is first of its kind in the country.

The alumina sale at 681,917 tonnes during the year under report was 8.4 percent less as compared to previous year’s sale of 744,069 tonnes, due to higher consumption in Smelter Plant for producing more aluminium metal, thereby resulting in less availability of alumina for sale compared to last year.

The domestic sale of alumina, special grade alumina and other chemical products was 45,916 tonnes during the year which was the highest-ever surpassing the previous highest of 44,420 tonnes achieved in 2009-10.

Finance

Dear Members, you will be pleased to know that your company has earned a net profit after tax of Rs.1,069 crore for the year, as compared to Rs.814 crore in the previous year, resulting in an increase in net profit by Rs.255 crore, i.e. a jump of 31 percent. Sales revenue during the year at Rs.5,959 crore was higher by Rs.904 crore, an increase of 18 percent as compared to the previous year.

The profit for the year was higher because of higher sales realization as compared to the previous year, in addition to some contributions by way of higher production and sale of metal. The results would have been still better, but for the adverse impact of exchange rate of rupee on sales, which made a dent of Rs.159 crore during the year. The operating cost was higher by Rs.399 crore, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year, due to increase in prices of coal, fuel oil and provisioning for wage revision.

Human Resource

Your company continued to maintain healthy human relationships and the industrial relations situation remained cordial. HR interventions like participative management across various levels in the organization, openness and transparency in dealing with employees in general and Unions in particular have helped in sustaining harmonious IR environment. The Recognized Unions have played constructive role as partners in the growth of production, productivity and all-round performance of your company. The collective bargaining process with the Recognized Unions on the issue of wage revision of non-executive employees remained very constructive, leading to amicable wage settlement for a term of ten years.

EXTENSION OF MINING LEASE

You will be pleased to know that with vigorous efforts, your company could successfully comply with various requirements for getting the Mining Lease over south block of Panchpatmali Bauxite Mines extended for further period of 20 years.

CORPORATE PLAN

The company has adopted the new Corporate Plan and Vision 2020 since 2009-10. Pursuing the Vision Statement of becoming a “Reputed Global Company in the Metals and Energy Sectors”, your company initiated actions, encompassing the whole gamut of business activities, for achieving the objectives set out in the Corporate Plan. Here, I would like to share the progress so far on various initiatives:

• Your company is actively pursuing to set up a smelter and power project in Indonesia at suitable location, primarily because of availability of good quality coal at economic price. Two coal mining firms have been identified for possible long-term arrangement for sourcing coal for the proposed project.

• Your company has been pursuing for setting up a smelter and power project in Odisha. Considering the uncertainty on the location in Odisha project, your company may have to explore for an alternate location elsewhere in India.

• Due to unfavourable ground conditions in the area surrounding the bauxite mines in Gudem and KR Konda blocks in Andhra Pradesh, your company is moving cautiously on the field activities for the proposed mines and refinery project.

• Your company has identified Kakarapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) - 3 & 4 project for development, jointly with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. at a project cost of Rs.11,450 crore. The recommendation of our Board for the investment is under consideration by the Government of India.

• Your company has placed orders to set up a 50.4 MW wind power plant in Andhra Pradesh at an investment of Rs.274 crore. The plant is expected to be commissioned by February 2012. Establishment of the wind power plant will partially meet the company’s obligation to source power from renewable source of energy as mandated by National Action Plan for Climate Change.

• Angul Aluminium Park, a joint venture between your company and Orissa Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has taken off with the company having 49.5 percent equity. The activity of acquisition of land is in process.

Expansion Projects

You will be pleased to know that all the segments of 2nd Phase Expansion have been commissioned. The facilities commissioned as part of 2nd Phase Expansion at Alumina Refinery are under stabilization. The upgradation of 4th Stream of Alumina Refinery from 0.525 million tonnes to 0.70 million tonnes and that of Bauxite Mines from 6.3 million tonnes to 6.825 million tonnes, at an estimated project cost of Rs.409 crore, is scheduled to be commissioned by June, 2012. The upgradation of Smelter Potlines from 180 KA to 220 KA at an estimated investment of Rs.1500 crore for both Smelter and Captive Power Plant is under implementation. On completion of the project, expected by 2017, the capacity of the Smelter Plant would go up by 1 lakh tonnes per year.

Utkal-E Coal Block

Utkal-E Coal Block with estimated reserves of around 70 million tonnes shall cater to the requirement of 9th and 10th Units of CPP. The project is estimated to cost Rs.280 crore. The coal block is likely to become operational by June, 2012.

NALCO FOUNDATION

Besides periphery development works undertaken through RPDACs set up by the State Government, your company set up a Foundation in 2010 for its CSR activities by allocating an additional one percent of its net profit every year, thereby doubling the CSR budget. The Foundation is based on the Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility for CPSEs, issued by the Government of India. Accordingly, the Foundation has adopted project-based approach, ensuring community participation, accountability, sustainability and measurable results.

I am pleased to inform you that in recognition of its CSR initiatives, Nalco received the PSE Excellence Award 2011, in the Maharatna and Navratna category, for Corporate Social Responsibility and Responsiveness, instituted by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Govt. of India and Indian Chamber of Commerce.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On behalf of the company and all of you, I take this opportunity to thank our valued customers, investors, suppliers, bankers, consultants, Directors on the Board, the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Mines, the Government of Odisha, Indian Railways, Mahanadi Coalfields and other Government agencies. I must acknowledge the support and co-operation of my colleagues and thank all the employees of Nalco for their untiring efforts in achieving yet another year of success for your company.

Note: This does not purport to be record of the proceedings of the Annual General Meeting.

HINDI KAVI SAMMELAN BY NALCO

Bhubaneswar, 21/09/2011: With a view to promote the use of Hindi as official language, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) celebrated Hindi Week at its Corporate Office and sites from 14-20 September. To mark the occasion, NALCO organised a Hindi Kavi Sammelan at Nalco Nagar here yesterday. Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO graced the occasion as the chief guest and Shri Joy Varghese, Director (P & A) was the guest of honour. Eminent poets viz. Shri Ram Kishore Verma, Shri Kishan Khandelwal, Ms. Pushpa Singhi, Shri Mohan Das Mawakatlal and Shri Udayan Supkar participated in this programme. Noted poet Shri Narayan Muduli coordinated the Sammelan.

NALCO’s Senior Manager (Rajbhasa) Shri Sudarsan Tarai presented a report on company’s initiatives towards implementation of Hindi and prizes were given away to the winners of various competitions held during the week.

NALCO BAGS PSE EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR CSR

Bhubaneswar, 20/09/2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, bagged the prestigious PSE Excellence Award 2011 for Corporate Social Responsibility & Responsiveness in the Maharatna and Navratna category. Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO received the award from Shri Bhaskar Chatterjee, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises during the summit on 'India Public Sector Agenda @ 2020' in New Delhi yesterday. The summit was organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in collaboration with Department of Public Enterprises with a view to promote and reward excellence in Central Public Sector Enterprises.

“As a socially responsible corporate citizen, NALCO has always tried to reach out to the communities residing in the periphery of its units,” says Shri Bagra. “For us, it is no more charity, but responsibility. All our CSR initiatives are project based, ensuring community participation, accountability, sustainability and measurable results,” he added. It may be mentioned that the company has doubled its CSR budget to 2% of the net profit from 2010-11, by setting up a NALCO Foundation. For the current fiscal, the company has earmarked Rs. 21.38 crore for various CSR activities.

NALCO DONATES 1 CRORE TO CHIEF MINISTER'S RELIEF FUND

Bhubaneswar, 16/09/2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has yet again come forward to extend relief to the flood victims. The company has donated ` 1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Orissa, which has been severely affected by unprecedented flood.

Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO handed over a cheque of ` 1 crore to Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Orissa here today.

NALCO has always extended relief measures to the victims of natural calamities in Orissa. Earlier, the company had donated ` 1.39 crore during the super cyclone in 1999 and ` 5 crore for flood victims of Orissa in 2008.

The company has doubled its CSR budget to 2% of the net profit from 2010-11, by setting up a NALCO Foundation. For the current fiscal, the company has earmarked ` 21.38 crore for various CSR activities.

NALCO & OPOLFED ORGANIZE POULTRY TRAINING

Bhubaneswar, 16/09/2011: NALCO Foundation, the CSR arm of Navartna PSU NALCO, in collaboration with Orissa State Poultry Products Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (OPOLFED) has initiated a series of backyard poultry training programme in NALCO’s Utkal-E Coal Project area of Angul district. In the second phase of the training programme, as many as 20 people including 16 women participated. While NALCO Foundation sponsored the programme, the training and technical support were provided by OPOLFED.

In the closing ceremony of the training programme, 20 Banaraja chicks, besides chick feed, medicines and caging materials were handed over to each participant. Dr P.K. Biswal, GM, OPOLFED and Ms Shabana Parween, Project Manager, NALCO Foundation coordinated the programme.

NALCO RESORTS TO COAL IMPORT TO OVERCOME CRISIS

Bhubaneswar: 14/09/11: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt of India, has placed order to import two lakh tonnes of coal to tide over the present crisis. The decision was taken by a Committee of Directors on Tuesday evening. Sourcing coal from Mahanadi Coalfields (MCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited), NALCO’s 1200 MW thermal captive power plant at Angul in Orissa supplies power to the company’s aluminium smelter located nearby. The imported coal would start arriving after a week, sources said.

“We were losing around one crore rupees everyday due to short supply of coal from the linkage provided to us by MCL,” says Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD of NALCO. “We have been receiving on an average 7400 tonnes of coal per day through this linkage for the past two weeks, as against our daily requirement of 12,000 tonnes, primarily due to heavy rainfall. As a result, we were constrained to shut down 60 out of 960 operational pots from last Thursday at our Smelter to ensure safe operations of the remaining pots. However, it’s a temporary closure,” Shri Bagra clarified.

NALCO’s smelter produces approximately 37,000 tonnes of metal a month. Although the production may decline slightly by around 2100 to 2400 tonnes for a month due to the disruption, the coal crisis however will not affect the company's annual output targets, Shri Bagra added.

“To overcome the crisis, we reached out to Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Coal and Railways authorities. The Coal Ministry advised MCL to arrange supply of coal from other mines located in Talcher and Ib areas. In turn, MCL has responded to open supplies from Hingula and Kanika mines. The movement from these mines has helped NALCO in salvaging the situation. The smelter is still operating with the help of State grid to the extent of receiving 100 MW of power regularly,” Shri Bagra concluded.

5th LONG TERM WAGE SETTLEMENT SIGNED IN NALCO

Bhubaneswar, 07/09/2011: The 5th Long Term Wage Settlement of NALCO employees has been signed here on 5th September with five Recognized Unions viz. Nalco Mines Mazdoor Sangha (BMS), Bauxite Mines; Nalco Mazdoor Sangha (BMS), Alumina Refinery, Damanjodi; Nalco Employees Sangha (INTUC), Smelter Plant, Angul; Nalco Non-Executive Employees Union (HMS), Captive Power Plant, Angul and Nalco Employees Central Union (INTUC), Corporate Office, Bhubaneswar. As a result, the non-executives of the company will soon receive revised pay and perks, which is valid for a period of 10 years w.e.f 01/01/2007. Wage settlement board, under the chairmanship of Shri B.L. Bagra, Director (Finance)-cum-CMD, NALCO and guidance of Shri K.D.R. Achari, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Bhubaneswar-cum-Conciliatory Officer, enabled the tripartite settlement to be signed.

NALCO SPONSORS 250 TRIBAL CHILDREN FROM DAMANJODI TO KISS

Bhubaneswar, 07.09.2011: NALCO Foundation, the CSR arm of National Aluminium Company Limited, has decided to sponsor about 250 children to Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, from the current academic session, where these children can be brought to mainstream and imparted quality education. The decision was taken by the Board of Trustees of NALCO Foundation on Tuesday.

“These children would be primarily sourced from the periphery villages of NALCO’s Damanjodi project in Koraput,” says Shri B.L. Bagra, Chairman of NALCO Foundation. “Representatives of KISS, with the assistance of Foundation’s Project Managers, have already identified the children after surveying 10 villages. NALCO shall sign an MoU with KISS and contribute to its corpus fund. Besides, we shall bring children to Bhubaneswar for admission and monitor their progress on a quarterly basis,” Shri Bagra added.

The beneficiaries identified are from Lachamani, Bhitar Marichamal, Kapsiput, Bhitargarh, Badanerka, Tala Miting, Rangopani, Kuturi, Mundagarti and Bhitarbhejaput villages of Laxmipur, Narayanpatna and Koraput blocks.

Apart from founding Trustee Shri Joy Varghese, Director (P&A) of NALCO, Shri S.B. Mishra, former Chief Secretary of Govt of Odisha, joined NALCO Foundation as Trustee recently. NALCO has been allocating 2% of its net profit every year for CSR activities. Accordingly, Rs.21.38 crore has been earmarked for 2011-12 fiscal.

NALCO FOUNDATION & OPOLFED LAUNCH LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMME

Bhubaneswar, 23/08/2011: NALCO Foundation, the CSR arm of Navratna PSU NALCO, in collaboration with Orissa State Poultry Products Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (OPOLFED) has launched a backyard poultry programme in the peripheral villages of Angul. In the first phase, through this programme 80 beneficiaries of NALCO’s Utkal-E Coal Project area will be trained, in four batches. In the 3-day inaugural programme, 20 beneficiaries of Nandichhod village participated, out of which 15 were women. While NALCO Foundation sponsored the programme, the training and technical support were provided by OPOLFED.

In the closing ceremony yesterday, Shri Devaraj Senapati, ADM, Angul and Shri P.R. Choudhury, Executive Director (S&P) of NALCO, handed over 20 Banaraja chicks to each participant, besides chick feed, medicines and caging materials. Dr P.K. Biswal, GM, OPOLFED and Ms Shabana Parween, Project Manager, NALCO Foundation coordinated the programme.

Others present on the occasion include Shri Soumya Patnaik, GM (Utkal-E Coal Block Project), DGMs Shri G.S. Mohapatra, Shri L.M. Sahoo and Manager Shri Mani Patnaik from NALCO. Dr S. N. Pattanaik, CDVO, Angul, Dr R. C. Mishra, Ex-CDVO, Dr Bharat Pradhan, Dr Srinivas Sahoo, Dr R.M. Narendra, Dr B.K. Parida, Dr P.K. Singh and other experts imparted training to the beneficiaries.

CENTRE ACCORDS PRIOR APPROVAL TO MINING LEASE OF UTKAL-E COAL BLOCK TO NALCO

Bhubaneswar: 20/08/2011: Ministry of Coal has granted its prior approval for mining lease of Utkal-E Coal Block at Angul, with an estimated reserve of 70 million tonnes and covering an area of around 212 hectares, in favour of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU.

The allocation was made to meet the coal requirement of new units of NALCO’s Captive Power Plant at Angul, which supplies power to the company’s Aluminium Smelter located nearby.

“The two new units of 120 MW each, commissioned in 2009 and 2010 respectively, have been operating from coal procured by us through e-auction and imports,” says Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO. The linkage with Mahanadi Coalfields granted to NALCO was valid up to the scheduled commencement of production from Utkal-E Coal Block, which has been delayed in the process of securing environmental clearance and further delayed due to land acquisition. “For last one year, there is no linkage coal available to the company, which is fully dependant on expensive e-auction and imported coal for operating these two units,” Shri Bagra added.

The mining lease deed shall be signed between the State Government and NALCO soon. Mining will be carried out in the allocated area after obtaining permission from the Forest Department under Forest Conservation Act and meeting other stipulations.

SHRI P. K. MOHANTY TAKES OVER AS CVO OF NALCO

Bhubaneswar, 17.08.11: Shri P.K. Mohanty, IAS, has assumed the office of Chief Vigilance Officer of aluminium major National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) on Tuesday. Prior to his joining, Shri Mohanty was Commissioner of Kanpur Division, Uttar Pradesh.

A 1985-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Shri P.K. Mohanty, holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and PG diploma in Management. Shri Mohanty has held various administrative positions of both Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand Governments, heading prestigious departments like Commercial Tax, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, Housing & Urban Development.

NALCO'S Q 1 NET PROFIT UP 32% AT Rs. 377 cr. SALES TURNOVER UP 33% AT Rs. 1851 cr.

Bhubaneswar, 12.08.2011: Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India and country’s leading producer and exporter of alumina and aluminium, has reported impressive results in the 1st quarter ended June 30. The net profit has jumped by 32% to Rs.377 crore from Rs.284 crore achieved in the corresponding period of previous year.

According to the results taken on record at a meeting of the Board of Directors in New Delhi today, the company has reported a sales turnover of Rs.1851 crore, an increase of 33% compared to Rs.1388 crore achieved in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. According to Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, NALCO, the impressive results are attributable “to enhanced volumes and better sales realization.” Particularly, considerably higher volume of 1.83 lakh tonnes of alumina exported during the quarter, as compared to 0.99 lakh tonnes in the 1st quarter of previous year, was the main contributor towards rise in sales and profit, Shri Bagra adds.

On production front too, NALCO has put up an impressive performance, says Shri Bagra. While bauxite production during this quarter increased to 11.21 lakh tonnes against 10.67 lakh tonnes in the corresponding quarter of last year, alumina production has gone up to 4 lakh tonnes against 3.88 lakh tonnes during the comparable quarter. Similarly, during the quarter, power generation increased to 1679 million units from 1659 million units. However, aluminium production is slightly less at 1.11 lakh tonnes as against 1.12 lakh tonnes achieved in the 1st quarter of previous fiscal.

As regards metal sales, NALCO sold almost same volume of 1.10 lakh tonnes of aluminium in the 1st quarter as in the corresponding period of previous year.

NALCO FOUNDATION BRINGS CHEER TO DIFFERENTLY-ABLED

Bhubaneswar, 05/08/2011: With a view to improve the standard of living of the physically challenged people of the villages under NALCO’s Utkal-E Coal Project in Angul district of Odisha, NALCO Foundation organized a camp with the help of ALIMCO and VRC, Govt. of India, for handing over specially designed equipment on Thursday in Korada village of Chhendipada block. This initiative has brought smiles on the faces of the differently-abled persons who dream to lead a self-sufficient life.

As many as 19 differently-abled persons from Nandichhod, Gopinathpur, Korada and Kosala villages were provided with equipment like tri-cycles, roletors, hearing aids and blind sticks. It may be mentioned that these people were identified during an earlier camp held on 2nd June 2011 in Nandichhod village.

On behalf of NALCO, DGMs Shri L. M. Sahoo and Shri G.S. Mohapatra, along with Shri Hemant Behera, Sarpanch, Koroda village distributed the appliances. Shri R. N. Mishra, Marketing Officer, ALIMCO demonstrated the usage of the equipment to the beneficiaries. Shri Ram Kishore Sharma, Rehabilitation Officer, VRC, Dr. P.R. Das, Social Worker and Ms. Shabana Parween, Project Manager, Nalco Foundation were also present at the occasion. Four out the identified differently-abled persons gave their consent to avail vocational training to be provided by VRC at Bhubaneswar.