Page 153 - CW E-Magazine (19-11-2024)

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WASTE MANAGEMENT

India-EU workshop focuses on use of digital tools

for monitoring plastic waste

The India-EU Trade and Techno- Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientifi c Secre- The workshop agenda included
logy Council (TTC) Working Group 2 tary, Offi ce of the Principal Scientifi c a detailed presentation in the Indian
on Green & Clean Energy Techno- Adviser to the Government of India, context regarding plastic pollution by
logies organized an online workshop on emphasised the importance of collabo- Prof. H. N. Chanakya, Chief Research
‘Assessment and Monitoring Tools for ration, stating that the partnership Scientist, Indian Institute of Science
Marine Plastic Litter’ on 8th November, between India and the EU on plastic (IISc), Bangalore. This was followed
2024, bringing together experts and offi - litter is not only timely but essential for by an introduction to an e-learning tool
cials from India and the European Union developing solutions that are globally designed by the NIVA team to assist in
(EU) to address plastic pollution and impactful and locally viable. monitoring plastic litter.
discuss innovative monitoring solutions.
The workshop focused on exploring Ms. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director- The event also featured an interac-
new digital tools for monitoring plastic General for International Cooperation tive panel discussion where participants
waste and understanding India’s unique at the Directorate-General for Research engaged with the NIVA team, sharing
challenges in combating plastic litter. and Innovation, European Commis- feedback and discussing future collabo-
sion, highlighted the workshop’s signi- rations on developing tailored e-learning
The event began with opening fi cance, remarking, that it shows the modules, exchanging best practices in
remarks by Dr. Marianne Olsen, Research excellent cooperation between the data monitoring, exchanges of informa-
Director, Norwegian Institute for Water EU and India in sharing technological tion on existing technologies/solutions,
Research (NIVA), who welcomed innovations and discussing matters of initiating joint research projects, and
participants and set the stage for colla- common interest in the framework of capacity building to enhance efforts in
borative discussions. the recently established TTC. combating plastic pollution.

INTEGRATION BENEFITS
Vishnu Chemicals buying chrome mining complex

in South Africa

Vishnu Chemicals, a Hyderabad- vals and standard closing conditions, is
based speciality chemicals fi rm specia- intended to provide Vishnu Chemicals
lising in chromium and barium chemi- with access to a stable source of chrome
cals, has inked a defi nitive agreement ore, a critical raw material. The chrome
to acquire a signifi cant chrome mining mining complex spans roughly 1,800
complex, comprising a chrome mine hectares, with an estimated resource of
along with processing, mining and in- about 10-mt.
frastructure assets from Volclay Group
of Companies in South Africa, through South Africa is home to the world’s
its wholly owned subsidiary Vishnu largest reserves of chrome ore, making
South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (Vishnu SA) in ued at around $10-mn (approximately it a key global supplier. According to
a combination of share and asset deal. Rs. 84-crore), will be funded through Vishnu Chemicals, the mineralogy of
Vishnu’s existing cash reserves and the chrome ore in the region is suited
Under the agreement, Vishnu South internal funds. to its requirements. The acquisition is
Africa will hold a 74% stake in the expected to provide integration benefi ts
chrome mining entity, with complete The acquisition, which is antici- right from sourcing to manufacturing
ownership of the processing plant and pated to conclude within the next 12 and ensure a stable supply of critical
associated infrastructure. The deal, val- months, subject to regulatory appro- raw material.

Chemical Weekly November 19, 2024 153

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