Sivaganga graphite sales affected due to import from China, Tanzania, says Minister T.K. Prabhu
Tamil Nadu's Minister for Natural Resources, T.K. Prabhu, announced that the state-run graphite plant in Sivaganga is facing operational challenges due to competition from low-cost imports from China and Tanzania. The government is planning to re-auction unsold stock and explore local sub-industries to revive the facility.
Why it matters
The struggle of local mineral industries against global imports highlights the challenges of domestic manufacturing and employment stability.
Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Mines T.K. Prabhu stated that the sales of Sivaganga graphite have been affected due to low-cost imports from countries like Tanzania and China.
A graphite plant is operated by the Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) in Komalipatti near Sivaganga. Here, 3,600 tonnes of graphite valued at ₹30 crore has been accumulated for over a year.
Due to lack of sales, the plant has also not been operating for a month, affecting the employees.
Following complaints, Mr. Prabhu inspected the graphite plant here on Sunday along with District Collector P. Akash and plant manager Kathiravan.
Subsequently, Mr. Prabhu, speaking to reporters, said, “The operation of the plant was affected as the produced graphite could not be sold and got accumulated. Those who bagged the graphite auction have paid the advance amount but have not come to take delivery.”
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