In a remarkable development, the Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML), a State Public Sector Unit, has achieved a prestigious feat by securing a contract worth? 105 crore from the Indian Navy. The contract revolves around the supply of titanium sponge, a crucial material used in the manufacturing of various defence sector components. With a total order of 650 tonnes of different grades, this significant deal is set to be delivered over the course of five years.
The contract's inception followed a series of discussions and collaborative efforts between Industries Minister P. Rajeeve and senior officials from the Indian Navy in January. Recognizing the immense potential of titanium sponge for defence applications, the Indian Navy expressed keen interest in integrating this material into their manufacturing processes. Consequently, a dedicated working group was formed to assess the feasibility and benefits of incorporating titanium sponge into the Navy’s defence projects.
To facilitate the evaluation process, Navy officials visited KMML's state-of-the-art Titanium Sponge Plant located in Chavara, Kollam. The plant is renowned for its advanced technology and capabilities in producing high-quality titanium sponge, a vital raw material with numerous applications in aerospace, marine, and defence sectors.
After thorough discussions and assessments, the contract was finalized in coordination with the Public Sector Restructuring and Internal Audit Board (RIAB). This significant milestone marks a pivotal achievement for KMML, as it solidifies the company’s position as a dependable supplier of critical materials for defence and strategic applications.
Titanium sponge is highly regarded for its exceptional properties, boasting high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material for manufacturing critical components in the aerospace and defence sectors. As the Indian Navy seeks to enhance its capabilities and modernize its fleet, the procurement of high-quality titanium sponge from KMML will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.