Naveen Jindal group weighs aluminium foray, plans depend on mine

Company sees consumption rising as electric vehicles increase and light metals become more important

The Naveen Jindal group is exploring opportunities in aluminium, but its plans depend on getting a bauxite mine in a business dominated by three large companies.

The group wants to be an integrated player: from bauxite to alumina and aluminium. “Bauxite is a critical resource. Without control on raw material it is not possible to put up a large plant,” said a source on the condition of anonymity. Business Standard’s e-mail to the group was unanswered.

Land and electricity are factors in setting up an aluminium project, but it’s bauxite that is likely to shape the group’s decision. Three bauxite