State-run metal scrap trading firm MSTC today signed a joint venture (JV) agreement with Mahindra Intertrade for setting up of an auto shredding and recycling plant, which can cost around Rs 120 crore.
The idea behind the JV is to meet India's annual scrap requirement of 5-6 million tonnes (MT), which at present is done through imports, the market for which is estimated in the range of USD 1.8 billion (about Rs 12,000 crore).
"The total investment for setting up the shredding plant having a capacity of 1 lakh tones per annum and the collection centers is expected to be about Rs 120 crore," Steel Ministry said in a statement.
The plant will have the capacity of one lakh TPA, it added.
Mahindra Intertrade is a part of Mahindra Partners Division of the USD 17.8 billion diversified Mahindra Group, while the mini-ratna public sector undertaking (PSU) is engaged in the export of ferrous scrap.
Speaking to reporters after signing the agreement, MSTC CMD B B Singh said: "Demand for vehicles was 23.34 million in 2015. It brings to fore the issue relating to scrapping of end of life vehicles (ELVs) and when you consider these, the JV has immense potential for further growth in India."
India imports around 5-6 MT of scrap every year, which again reiterates the need to set up a shredding plant in the country. The JV is starting with a single unit, but is also looking at a pan-India presence, he added.
At present, scrap is being imported at around USD 200-300 a tonne. Keeping in view the country's annual requirement, the market is in the range of USD 1.8 billion.
This first-of-its-kind auto shredding facility will establish an automotive recycling capability for ELVs from collection, compaction, transportation, depollution, dismantling, shredding, recycling, and disposal, Mahindra Intertrade Managing Director Sumit Issar said.
"We will set up one plant now that is likely to come up in a location in Gujarat or Maharashtra. Its capacity will be about 1-1.5 lakh tonnes depending on the product mix and will begin commercial production by March 2018," he added.
The JV agreement was inked in presence of Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma by Singh and Issar.
Steel Minister said the initiative will give boost to the 'Make in India' programme by providing a source of specialised steel.
He added that PPP mode is the way forward for bringing in latest technology into recycling of high-grade (auto-grade) steel and providing high-grade raw material to steel plants in the North India as well.
"He said there is need for zoning of collection centers in the country and more such plants can be set up in the country in future," the Ministry said quoting the Minister.
