Given the strategic importance of Europe as a market for Ashapura’s product basket, the company is setting up a Mineral Processing Complex at Antwerp in a 50:50 Joint Venture with AMCOL International Corporation. The processing facility will currently have the capability of processing three products Bentonite, Bleaching Clay and Kaolin which would be exported from India in a semi-processed form. Setting up such a processing hub in Europe would add value in terms of inventory management and quality control to the end user, thereby enhancing Ashapura’s value offering.

The project is already commissioned and in operation.

Ashapura has been a preferred supplier of Barites from India with an established global marketing network. Processed Barites are used in oil drilling. Nigeria not only has sizeable deposits of Barites but also is a major consumer of Barites on account of its oil production. Ashapura will have a 48% stake in a Barites Processing Complex in Nigeria with Emo Energy Ltd., one of Nigeria’s leading oil and energy solutions conglomerate. The joint venture has been allotted 3,800 sq. kms of land for mining and prospecting solid minerals.

Malaysia is a very large and important production centre for edible oils. Ashapura has a 25% stake in a reputed Bleaching Clay manufacturer in Malaysia called Hudson MPA Snd. Bhd. (Hudson). This company imports Attapulgite and Bleaching Clay from Ashapura in India and process it further for its eventual marketing in Malaysia and neighbouring countries.

Amid all the market doom and gloom, we have been sucessful in exploring new opportunities around the globe and far – east with abundant Natural Resources seems to be the most potential destination. Our prime focus would be minerals like Bauxite, Coal, Manganese, Iron Ore & Lime Stone.

In order to cope up with the growing market demand and competition in terms of pricing, there is a need to develop additional strategic hubs with rich mineral deposits which can cater our valued customers in India, China and GCC countries.

With the above vision, the investment and business opportunities in Far – East was conceptualized and initiated in mid 2009 and we are delighted to share the Ashapura has added a new feather in its cap by tapping Indonesia (Bauxite, Coal, Manganese and Iron Ore) and Malaysia / Vietnam for Limestone and Talc. In the last couple of months we have explored possibilities at both the destinations by way of purchasing rights, Joint Venture and acquisition of existing establishments.

Developments so far in a nutshell,

1. Established PMA Co. in Indonesia as PT Ashapura Resources Indonesia.
2. Signed MOU for the development of a bauxite mine MDO.
3. Signed NDA with exclusive marketing right for Manganese.
4. Small Team of 7 – Persons are working round the clock to ensure timely project implementation.