Bhubaneswar: In a major stride towards sustainable mining and environmental innovation, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Entity1 Value Emission Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, a cleantech innovation company specializing in resource recovery technologies. The collaboration aims to explore cutting-edge technology for the recovery of valuable materials from Red Mud, an industrial by-product generated during alumina production.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Brijendra Pratap Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of NALCO, Mr. Jagdish Arora, Director (Projects & Technical), and Dr. Tapas Kumar Pattanayak, Director (Human Resources). Senior officials from both organizations also participated in the event, reflecting the shared commitment to sustainable industrial practices.
This strategic partnership underscores NALCO’s continued dedication to research-driven innovation and its efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of its operations. Through this collaboration, NALCO and Entity1 aim to develop advanced recovery solutions that can transform Red Mud into valuable products, reducing waste and contributing to a Circular Economy in the mining and metal sectors.
Read also: NALCO Foundation Signs MoU to Boost Skill Development and Livelihood Opportunities for Rural Youth
Transforming Red Mud into a Valuable Resource
Red Mud, a residue from the bauxite refining process, poses significant disposal challenges for the aluminum industry. By leveraging Entity1’s clean technology expertise, NALCO seeks to recover precious elements such as iron, rare earths, and other critical minerals from this industrial by-product.
The initiative not only aims to enhance resource efficiency but also aligns with India’s national goals of sustainable industrial growth, zero waste manufacturing, and responsible mining practices. Successful implementation of this technology could set a benchmark for other mining and metal companies to replicate.
Strengthening Environmental Stewardship
Speaking on the occasion, NALCO CMD Mr. Brijendra Pratap Singh emphasized that the partnership reflects the company’s proactive approach towards sustainability. “This collaboration with Entity1 Value Emission Pvt. Ltd. is an important step in our journey towards achieving a balance between industrial progress and ecological responsibility. By converting waste into wealth, we are reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” he said.
The partnership is also expected to foster knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives that could lead to scalable, eco-friendly solutions for the global aluminum industry.
Driving Circular Economy Practices
With the adoption of emerging clean technologies, NALCO continues to strengthen its position as a frontrunner in implementing Circular Economy principles — where waste is minimized, and resources are continually repurposed. The company’s efforts align closely with India’s vision for sustainable mining, green manufacturing, and carbon neutrality.
About National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, was established in 1981 with its headquarters in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is one of the largest integrated aluminum producers in Asia, operating across the entire value chain — from bauxite mining and alumina refining to aluminum smelting, power generation, and downstream fabrication.
