Framework to distinguish virgin, recycled lead soon

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is considering the setting up of a regulatory framework to distinguish virgin lead from recycled one. The bifurcation could be in the form of labeling.

"Being similar in chemical and physical properties, it is a bit difficult to distinguish between the two. But it is very important from the users' point of view as they should know what material they are using," said Dr Lakshmi Raghupathy, additional director, Ministry of Environment & Forests in a seminar in Mumbai on Saturday.

The seminar titled "Metal recycling - tapping opportunities, saving environment" was organised by MMR Events and was well attended by industry representatives across the country.

The production of lead through the secondary route is hazardous as it releases a lot of environment unfriendly solid, liquid and gas wastes which affect living beings in surrounding areas.

"The board can grant permission within three months from the date of application if all papers are through," said Dr. B Sengupta, Member Secretary, CPCB.

Rejecting the industry's allegation about delays in granting permissions, Sengupta said that after receiving applications, a board meeting is convened immediately and a team is sent for plant examination. Hence, there is no question of a delay.

CPCB has cleared 126 proposals with a lead production capacity of 7 lakh tonne, which is double the domestic consumption. According to Sengupta, no application is currently pending with CPCB.

Although non-ferrous metal traders are not allowed to import scrap for re-sale, the government has not frozen the imports for indigenous consumption.

"CPCB's stance is hurting the entire industry because of some scrupulous traders. Hence, the better way out is to levy import duty quantitywise instead of qualitywise. This would eliminate low quality scrap importers from the business," said a trader.

Sengupta said that CPCB would discourage all malafide traders who sell low-grade scrap to backyard processors. Traders wanting to import non-ferrous metals scrap would have to pass through stringent norms laid down by CPCB.

L Pugazhenthy, Vice President, IIM and Executive Director, International Lead & Zinc Development Association appealed to the lead users such as battery manufacturers to distance themselves from unscrupulous lead producers.