IIT-BHU IRMA Centre of Excellence in Refractories signs a MoU

The Advanced Research Centre for Iron and Steel and the IIT-BHU IRMA Centre of Excellence in Refractories at the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University have announced a strategic tie up to boost the R&D efforts aimed at maximising the production capabilities of the steel industry. The move is expected to create a synergy between then refractory and steel industriesand help achieve the country's ambitious target of producing 300 millliontonne of steel per annum by 2030. Apart from steel, the lab will also be used for other industries such as cement, aluminium and glass etc. Refractory products used in all high-temperature processes in production of aluminium, cement, glass and ceramics. The steel industry is one of the biggest consumers of refractory products accounting for nearly 75% of the total production. Commenting on the development, Sameer Nagpal, Head of Advocacy, Indian Refractory Makers Association (IRMA) said: “Refractory industry recognises that steel industry requires a positive ecosystem to step up its production capabilities in view of the National Steel Policy 2017. This initiative will bring in technological advancement to the refractory industry for making it globally competitive. It will also make us better equipped to cater to the requirements of the steel industry from a nascent stage”. IRMA is the apex body of Indian refractory makers in India.