A study on economic feasibility of value addition of titanium minerals in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

In India the production of titanium mineral is low and its average share in the world production is only three per cent whereas in Australia it is 31 per cent, South Africa 24 per cent, Canada 17 per cent, Norway nine per cent, USA nine per cent and Sierra Leone it is five per cent in 2004. (businessatmapsofindia.com). At the same time the mining potential of titanium mineral is great. The increase in demand for this mineral in the domestic market and also in the export front is also increasing. newlineFurther, the percentage of titanium mineral found in the beach sand is around 48 per cent in India (Minerals Year Book, 2008). Moreover, value added titanium mineral attracts foreign markets, besides generating more employment. Now the value addition technology is also available in India. newlineTherefore, to promote this enterprise, economic viability and market forecasting studies are needed. The present research aims at these aspects. The prime reason for the low level of ilmenite mining activity may be the lack of awareness among the business community in India, about the potentials of ilmenite mining venture and its value addition.