(a) whether, Vanadium metal produced during production of Aluminium from Bauxite ore comes under the category of precious metal;
(b) if so, whether the Aluminium producing plants are increasing their royalty by production of Vanadium in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the detailed uses of Vanadium metal at present?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): No, Madam.
(b) & (c): Does not arise in view of above.
(d): As per the available records with Indian Bureau of Mines vanadium is used primarily as an alloying element in iron & steel industry and to some extent as a stabiliser in titanium and aluminium alloys which are used in aerospace applications. It imparts toughness and strength to steel and alloys. Non-metallurgical applications include as catalyst and in ceramic, chemical, pigments, health preparations and electronic industries.