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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

          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.

'WATER MAN' IN NALCO
NALCO'S EFFORTS TOWARDS WATER CONSERVATION LAUDED

Bhubaneswar, 28 July 2011: Renowned Water Conservationist and Ramon Magasaysay awardee Shri Rajendra Singh visited the Corporate Office of Nalco, Bhubaneswar today. During his visit, he interacted with Shri B.L. Bagra, CMD, Nalco and other senior officials, stressing on the proper utilization and recycling of water, besides measures to control water pollution. He had also visited company’s Smelter and Power Complex at Angul on Monday last.

        Popularly known as 'Jal Purush' or 'The Water Man', Shri Singh has been instrumental in promoting the movement of Water Management, through his NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh, using various innovative techniques. While visiting different facilities of Nalco’s Smelter and Power Complex, he lauded the initiatives taken up by the company towards water conservation and waste water treatment. He visited the Captive Power Plant, Ash Pond, Intake Pump House, Zero Discharge System and Rain Water Harvesting System implemented by Nalco with a view to ensure proper utilization, recycling and conservation of water. While reviewing the Sewage Treatment Plant, the Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting System at Cooling Water Pump House and the newly installed Carbon Dioxide Sequestration System, Shri Singh appreciated Nalco's concern and effort towards conservation of water at all stages of its operation.

Shri Singh also addressed the senior executives of Nalco at Angul. Shri P.R. Choudhury, ED (S&P), Nalco chaired the meeting.

Bhubaneswar, 25.07.2011: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has received the   Stage-II (Final) forest clearance on July 20, 2011, for diversion of 110.3

hectares of forest land in the 1st renewal of mining lease for another 20 years in Panchpatmali South Block in Koraput district of Orissa, for bauxite mining operations. The original lease period expired after 30 years of mining. Keeping in view the current expansion projects being implemented by the company at its different units, this approval will help the company enhance its production capacity at the desired pace.

        It may be mentioned that the State Government, had earlier sought approval of the Central Government for the diversion of 110.3 hectares of forest land in the 1st renewal of mining lease in Panchpatmali South Block for bauxite mining, in accordance with the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. After consideration of the proposal by the Forest Advisory Committee constituted by the Central Government, Stage-I (in-principle) approval for the diversion was granted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. The Government of Orissa furnished compliance report in respect of the conditions stipulated in the in-principle approval and requested the Central Government to grant final approval. On the basis of the compliance report, the Centre has granted approval for diversion of 110.3 hectares of forest land in Panchpatmali.

          As per the approval, the period of diversion of the said forest land shall be for a duration co-terminus with the period of mining lease proposed to be granted under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulating) Act, 1957, or Rules framed there under, subject to a maximum period of 20 years. The company has to fulfill certain conditions laid down by the Ministry. The company has also to take up certain measures along with the State Government for afforestation on degraded forest land and preparing plan to wean away the practitioners of the ecologically destructive jhum cultivation in vicinity of the forest land being diverted and providing funds for its implementation.

          The Centre, while granting the approval, has also directed the State Government to ensure the proper utilization of the company’s CSR fund for peripheral development activities. 

Bhubaneswar, 14.06.2011: Navratna PSU National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has felicitated mountaineer Shri Jogabyasa Bhoi with a cash award of Rs.1 lakh for conquering Mt Everest. At a felicitation ceremony held at Nalconagar, Angul, Shri P.R. Choudhury, Executive Director of Smelter & Power Complex, handed over the cheque to Shri Jogabyasa Bhoi in the presence of Shri Debaraj Senapati, ADM, Shri Satyabrata Bhoi, SP, Angul, Shri A.K. Sahu, GM(H&A) and Shri Pradosh Mohanty, DGM(Admn).

Hailing from a small village Rupra in Kalahandi district of Orissa, the 32-year-old mountaineer is the third Oriya to scale Mt Everest. Sharing his experience on the occasion, Shri Bhoi said that his long cherished dream of scaling Mt Everest was fulfilled only because he never gave up his plans despite acute shortage of funds for the expedition. Shri Bhoi expressed his gratitude to NALCO for the felicitation and also appreciated the role of the company in promoting the talents of the State.