Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar today inaugurated the Zinconium complex at Pazhyakayal in Tuticorin district for producing Zinconium Oxide and sponge used for manufacturing zinconium alloy components required for nuclear power reactors.

A unit of the Nuclear Fuel Complex, the complex was set up in a 1,240 acre area, acquired by the Department of Atomic Energy(DAE).

The project has the capacity to produce 500 TPY of Zinconium, Oxide. But as an intermediate, it would produce 250 TPY Reactor Grade Zinconium sponge.

The plants established at the Zinconium complex have state of the art material handling and automation systems to carry out various intricate processes like petroleum coke briquetting, magnesio-thermio Reduction and Pyro-vaccum distillation.

Provisions were also made under the project to construct a township for accommodating employees of the Zinconium complex and the staff of Central Industrial Security Force(CISF), in charge of the security.

Apart from meeting the domestic needs, Zinconium Oxide and Sponge produced from the complex has tremendous potential for export to advanced countries involved in nuclear power generation.

Newly appointed AEC Chairman and BARC Director Dr Srikumar Banerjee, who would be succeeding Dr Anil Kakodkar, and other officials were present on the occasion.