{"id":2760,"date":"2025-11-20T12:04:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T06:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/?p=2760"},"modified":"2025-11-20T12:04:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T06:34:38","slug":"fimi-request-ministry-of-mines-to-takeup-the-issue-with-dae-to-ensure-adequate-supply-of-ilmenite-to-indian-tio2-producers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/fimi-request-ministry-of-mines-to-takeup-the-issue-with-dae-to-ensure-adequate-supply-of-ilmenite-to-indian-tio2-producers\/","title":{"rendered":"FIMI Request Ministry of Mines to takeup the issue with DAE to ensure adequate supply of Ilmenite to Indian TiO2 producers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now the only Ilmenite Producer in India is IREL Government Company. But they are not ready to supply the required quantity of Ilmenite to the Indian Titanium Producers. When the matter was taken up to FIMI, the Secretary General wrote letter to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines to take up the issue with DAE to ensure adequate supply of Ilmenite to Indian TiO2 producers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake in India\u201d \u00a0Scheme\u00a0not supported by Government Agencies. The problem faced by Indian Titanium Producers is explained our e-mail dated 30.10.2025 send to FIMI and FIMI\u2019s Secretary General letter to Ministry of Mines is given below.<\/p>\n

Introduction<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our associate company\u00a0V.V. Titanium Pigments Private Limited, are one of India\u2019s established manufacturers of\u00a0Titanium Dioxide (TiO\u2082) pigment, serving both domestic and international markets. Our TiO\u2082\u00a0products are used as key raw materials in\u00a0paint, plastic, rubber, and paper industries.<\/p>\n

Our manufacturing facility is located in\u00a0Thoothukudi,\u00a0Tamil Nadu, and we are an\u00a0ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001\u00a0certified company, in continuous operation for over 30\u00a0years.<\/p>\n

Importance of Ilmenite and Its Applications<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ilmenite (FeTiO\u2083)\u00a0is the principal raw material used in the production of\u00a0Titanium Dioxide pigment, an inert, bright white compound known for its\u00a0opacity, brightness, and UV resistance. TiO\u2082\u00a0is an indispensable ingredient in:<\/p>\n

* Paints and coatings<\/p>\n

* Plastics and rubber<\/p>\n

* Paper and textiles<\/p>\n

* Sunscreens and cosmetics<\/p>\n

Global Occurrence of Ilmenite<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

India\u00a0\u00a0(Kerala, TamilNadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh)<\/p>\n

Australia\u00a0, South Africa\u00a0, Norway, Canada, China, Mozambique, Ukraine, Brazil, USA, Srilanka<\/p>\n

Collectively, these countries constitute the majority of global Ilmenite and titanium mineral supply.<\/p>\n

Present Situation in India<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

VV Titanium Pvt Ltd has historically procured Ilmenite from both\u00a0public sector\u00a0and\u00a0private sector\u00a0suppliers within India including from our own mine up to 2013. However, following the\u00a0Government of India\u2019s policy changes and restrictions on private beach sand mining operations, all private producers have ceased operations.\u00a0 Consequently,\u00a0M\/s. IREL (India) Limited\u00a0has remained the sole domestic supplier.<\/p>\n

While we appreciate IREL\u2019s efforts in maintaining production, the company\u2019s focus on exports has significantly constrained the\u00a0availability of Ilmenite for domestic TiO\u2082\u00a0manufacturers\u00a0like us. Despite continuous follow-up, we are being allotted material primarily from IREL\u2019s\u00a0Odisha unit, rather than from their\u00a0Tamil Nadu (Manavalakurichi) unit, which is geographically closer to our plant and offers substantial logistical advantages.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the\u00a0pricing policy\u00a0of IREL is not conducive to local value addition. The\u00a0domestic price can be fixed taking into consideration\u00a0of the\u00a0freight cost from Odisha (approximately 1,700 km away from our Plant)\u00a0as it escalates our input costs significantly and impacting our competitiveness.<\/p>\n

Critical Mineral Reference<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

As per the\u00a0Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act), Ilmenite is classified as a\u00a0Critical and Strategic Mineral\u00a0(Sl. No. 21, Part D of the First Schedule).<\/p>\n

Ilmenite is the raw material for producing TiO2 Pigments.<\/p>\n

Ilmenite Demand and Projections<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Year\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requirement (in MT) for our factory<\/p>\n

2024\u201325 \/ 2025\u201326\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4,000 \u2013 5,000 MT per Month<\/p>\n

By 2030\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8,000 \u2013 10,000 MT per Month<\/p>\n

Supply Sources and Import Dependence<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

From\u00a02011 to 2013, our unit procured Ilmenite from our own mining leases and other public and private suppliers within Tamil Nadu. Post the\u00a02013 after stoppage of private mining in Tamilnadu, domestic availability sharply declined, forcing us to\u00a0import Ilmenite ore at significantly higher cost, rendering operations economically unviable.<\/p>\n

We thereafter approached\u00a0M\/s. IREL (India) Ltd\u00a0to ensure consistent domestic supply. As their\u00a0Manavalakurichi (Tamil Nadu) unit\u00a0was temporarily non-operational, we were registered with the\u00a0Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)\u00a0and obtained a\u00a0Trading License in Odisha\u00a0to procure Ilmenite from IREL\u2019s Odisha facility.<\/p>\n

Although the Manavalakurichi unit has since resumed operations,\u00a0its Ilmenite quality does not meet our production requirements, and the cost structure remains similar to Odisha\u2019s supply (excluding freight advantage).<\/p>\n

Currently, \u00a0supply from IREL (Odisha) does not meet full demand, compelling us to resort to limited imports at high prices \u2014 an unsustainable situation for long-term operations.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. a)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Difficulties in Import of Ilmenite:<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Substantial Capital Investment Requirement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The import of Ilmenite in bulk quantities (approximately 10,000 MT) necessitates a significant capital outlay. The costs associated with ocean freight, port handling, customs clearance, and bulk cargo management collectively result in a high initial investment burden.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Regulatory and Licensing Challenges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The import process involves multiple regulatory approvals, licensing requirements, and compliance with import policies. These formalities can significantly delay the receipt of material, thereby affecting the continuity of production.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Risk of Material Loss During Port Handling and Storage<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Due to the absence of dedicated covered storage facilities for Ilmenite at the port, the material remains exposed to environmental factors such as rainfall, humidity, and wind. This increases the likelihood of material loss, contamination, or quality degradation during interim storage and handling.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Increased Logistical and Transportation Expenses<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Additional costs are incurred for the inland transportation of Ilmenite from the port to the manufacturing facility. These expenses, along with port handling and demurrage charges (if any), contribute to a higher landed cost of the material.<\/p>\n

            Request for Government Support<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

            Given the circumstances, we earnestly request the Government\u2019s intervention to:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Allot sufficient quantity of Ilmenite to domestic TiO\u2082 manufacturing units at reasonable and\/or concessional price and may offer discounts according to the distance from the IREL\u2019s facility and the end users\u2019 facility.<\/li>\n
            2. Give first priority\u00a0in Ilmenite allocation\u00a0to\u00a0Indian value added industries\u00a0over export obligations, aligning with the\u00a0\u201cMake in India\u201d\u00a0initiative and the Government\u2019s objective of\u00a0mineral security.<\/li>\n
            3. Otherwise, considering to permit our own mining lease which has valid environmental clearance and all other statutory approvals, \u00a0under strict environmental and regulatory conditions, thereby ensuring sustainable supply while protecting ecological interests.<\/li>\n
            4. Rationalize IREL\u2019s pricing and distribution policy\u00a0to support value-added domestic industries.\u00a0 A\u00a0\u201cSpecial Discounts\u201d can be considered for the supply of Ilmenite to the customers who has to incur higher freight charges due to long distance (like ours \u2013 around 1700 KM away from the Odisha facility) in transportation from the IREL\u2019s facility.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              By implementing these measures,\u00a0domestic TiO\u2082\u00a0manufacturers can:<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. a)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Supply quality TiO\u2082\u00a0competitively\u00a0to both Indian and global markets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. b)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reduce TiO\u2082\u00a0imports, conserving significant\u00a0foreign exchange.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. c)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Generate employment\u00a0in mining, processing, and downstream sectors.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. d)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Strengthen India\u2019s position as a\u00a0self-reliant producer\u00a0of critical minerals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Conclusion<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                      Ilmenite is the backbone of India\u2019s Titanium Dioxide industry and a key component of the nation\u2019s critical mineral ecosystem. To sustain and enhance domestic value addition, it is essential that\u00a0Indian TiO\u2082\u00a0manufacturers are ensured priority access to Ilmenite at fair, stable, and locally competitive prices.<\/p>\n

                      We sincerely request the concerned authorities to kindly consider our grievance and take favourable action to ensure the\u00a0sustainable operation of domestic TiO\u2082\u00a0pigment units, thereby contributing to\u00a0India\u2019s industrial growth, export competitiveness, and mineral security.<\/p>\n

                      Thanking you,<\/p>\n

                      Yours faithfully,<\/p>\n

                      VAIKUNDARAJAN<\/p>\n

                      VV Group<\/p>\n

                      Note : Our above said mail was forwarded by FIMI to take up the issue with Department of Atomic Energy. If Government agencies also support, then only \u201cMAKE IN INDIA\u201d scheme will become success.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      \"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Now the only Ilmenite Producer in India is IREL Government Company. But they are not ready to supply the required quantity of Ilmenite to the Indian Titanium Producers. When the matter was taken up to FIMI, the Secretary General wrote letter to Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines to take up the issue with DAE to … Continue reading “FIMI Request Ministry of Mines to takeup the issue with DAE to ensure adequate supply of Ilmenite to Indian TiO2 producers”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2760","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.2","language":"ta","enabled_languages":["en","ta"],"languages":{"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"ta":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2760","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2760"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2760\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2767,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2760\/revisions\/2767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2760"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2760"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beachmineral.com\/ta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2760"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}