Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has requested National Aluminium Co (Nalco) and Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) to consider joining hands to set up alumina plant in Visakhapatnam.

The CM held a preliminary meeting on 22 April 2005 with the officials of Nalco, APMDC, Tribal Welfare and other departments on the feasibility for the alumina plant.

Nalco had evinced interest in setting up an alumina plant utilising bauxite ore available in Visakhapatnam district. However, since APMDC has the right of mining bauxite ore, the state government has approached APMDC and Nalco to examine the feasibility of taking up the project jointly.

The feasibility study would touch upon all issues relating to forest, environment and habitations in the agency area. He has directed the departments of Tribal Welfare and Technical Education to impart training in mining technology to the tribal youth so that they could also be involved in the project.