Indian aluminium producer Vedanta Aluminium has deployed a fleet of new electric forklifts at its facilities as part of an effort at reducing the carbon output at its plants.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with Gemini Equipment and Rentals (GEAR) and TARON Lift & Move. To date the firm has deployed 44 electric lithium-ion forklifts at its aluminium operations at Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Also now in service is a 10 metric ton electric lithium-ion forklift at the aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda and a 3 metric ton and 5 metric ton electric forklift at the aluminium refinery in Lanjigarh
Sunil Gupta, COO, Aluminium Business, Vedanta, said in a press release that the move is another step in its journey to lower carbon emissions.
“At Vedanta Aluminium, we continue to explore and implement innovative practices to enhance our sustainability performance while also producing the best quality of aluminium. We are dedicated to the mission of promoting ESG excellence, which forms the foundation of all our business endeavours. Our partnerships with leading technology providers have enabled us to pioneer sustainable material-handling practices in the industry. The commissioning of India’s first 10-tonne electric lithium-ion forklift comes as a reaffirmation of our commitment to accelerating the transition to a net zero future.”
Varun Chopra, Executive Chairman, GEAR India, said his firm is excited to partner with Vedanta on this project.
“We are delighted to partner with Vedanta Aluminium in their sustainability journey. GEAR, a leader in sustainable material handling solutions is proud to be a partner in Vedanta Aluminium’s decarbonisation journey. The commissioning of India’s first 10-ton electric lithium-ion forklift, part of the 41 units of zero-emission lithium-ion forklifts that we have deployed at Vedanta Jharsuguda and BALCO is a remarkable achievement. It highlights our shared commitment to advancing clean and efficient electric mobility and material handling solutions.”
The introduction of electric vehicles is part of Vedanta’s bigger push to decarbonize the entirety of its Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) fleet by the end of the decade. Vedanta also aims to decarbonize 75 percent of its mining fleet by 2035.
