Nalco workers strike in Orissa

Nalco workers strike in Orissa

Mining Journal News

23rd June 2006

Nalco produces 345,000 t/y of aluminium

Workers at National Aluminium Co`s (Nalco) Orissa smelter have gone on strike to protest government plans to sell a 10% stake in the company.Production at the facility, which produces 950 t/d of finished aluminium, stopped this morning, said company chairman C.R. Pradhan, in an interview with Bloomberg.

The facility employs 4,500 people although it was not clear how many were actually on strike. "Officers and executives are keeping the potline alive as it`s important to keep it running continuously," added Mr Pradhan.

The decision to strike follows a government announcement yesterday that it was looking to sell a 10% stake in the company. It currently holds 87.15% of Nalco. Nalco refines up to 1.57 Mt/y of alumina and produces 345,000 t/y of aluminium.