Nine companies were in the fray to partner with the state PSU for the project. The companies filtered out of the nine include Hindalco, Jaiprakash Associates, JSW Aluminium and public sector company Nalco.
However, GMDC will finalise only one player for the project. The total project size is for a 1Mt/y alumina refinery and a 500kt/y aluminium smelter.
GMDC plans to supply bauxite for the alumina production from its Kutch mines. The companies would also be setting up a power plant for the project. The state government will construct a desalination plant for water supply. Currently, there is a temporary water pipeline arrangement to feed industries in Kutch. GMDC has bauxite reserves that can last for 25-30 years.