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Tata Chemicals Gets Environment Nod For Expansion Of Soda Ash Plant In Gujarat

Tata Chemicals wants to expand capacity of its soda ash plant in Dwarka,  Gujarat, to 113.16 lakh tonne per annum.

The proposed expansion of the soda ash plant will meet the increased domestic and industrial demand, Tata Chemicals said. (Photo: Bloomberg)
The proposed expansion of the soda ash plant will meet the increased domestic and industrial demand, Tata Chemicals said. (Photo: Bloomberg)

Tata Chemicals Ltd., the world's second largest soda ash manufacturer, has received environment approval for expansion of its soda ash plant in Gujarat at an estimated cost of Rs 1,042.07 crore.

The approval is subject to compliance of certain conditions and prior clearance from the standing committee of the national board for wildlife.

Tata Chemicals wants to expand capacity of its soda ash plant in Dwarka district of Gujarat to 113.16 lakh tonne per annum from 10.91 lakh tonne per annum. It also wants to enhance a captive power plant's capacity from 84 MW to 125 MW.

The proposal was first vetted by a central government-constituted green panel and, based on its recommendations, the Union Environment Ministry has given the environment clearance for the expansion of soda ash plant in Gujarat.

According to the proposal, the expansion will be carried out within the existing plant premises of 231 hectare (including a cement plant). The cost of the project is pegged at Rs 1,042.07 crore and will be completed in two years.

Soda ash, an important part of Indian inorganic chemical industry, is a high volume, low-value product and finds application mainly in the production of detergents, glass, chemicals, sodium silicate, pulp/paper and water treatment.

India has the advantage of abundance of raw materials—limestone and salt—and growing domestic demand that favours the establishment of soda ash plants. The proposed expansion of soda ash plant will meet the increased domestic and industrial demand, Tata Chemicals said.