The Hindu Business Line : ‘Refractory industry should focus on raw materials security’

Dr J.J. Irani, Director of Tata Sons and former Managing Director of Tata Steel, has asked the refractory industry to focus on raw materials security to avail itself of the growth opportunities.

In his address to the 7th India International Refractories Congress 2008 (IREFCON 08) delivered in absentia here on Thursday, Dr Irani said, “With the Government aiming to invest more and more on infrastructure development, the steel industry in the country is slated to grow to, possibly, 120 million tonnes or even up to 150 million tonnes by 2015.

“According to most reports, the cement, aluminium and other industries are also to grow to unprecedented heights. This should be good news for refractory producers in India but you have to rise to the occasion by providing ready, regular, speedy and consistent supplies.”

Raw material fronts

On the issue of raw materials security, he said, “Both steel and refractory industries are raw material intensive and have to cover their raw material fronts adequately. If you do not, it is quite probable that you may either be starved of the raw materials after five or 10 years; or may have to pay through your nose and ultimately get driven out of the market. Now that the steel industry is growing and the overall market seems to be expanding, it would be useful for refractory producers to look around for the raw materials, firstly within one’s own country, or failing that, in a neighbouring country or with one with very substantial reserves and gradually build up commercial and business relations to secure the raw materials front”.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr A.K. Chattopadhyay, Chairman of Indian Refractory Makers Association, the organiser of IREFCON 08, said “Every user, big and small, is expecting more from the refractory’s industry so that they can concentrate on their core function of producing the right quality, the right quantity and at the right time. This practically means the end of the days of supply of refractories as a commodity. They have to be designed, engineered, produced, installed and maintained as per the specific requirements of each user.”

Nine theme lectures

Over 450 delegates are participating in IREFCON 2008, including 60 from overseas countries such as the US, France, Germany, Canada, China, Russia, Korea, Malaysia, etc. Nine theme lectures have been lined up even as 50 oral presentations and 14 poster presentations will be made at the event.

The keynote address at IREFCON 2008 was delivered today by Prof. Michel Rigaud of the University of Montreal, Canada, and globally-renowned expert on refractories.

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