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Ministry of Mines Auctions 8 Strategic Mineral Blocks Under Tranche IV

The latest auction includes graphite, vanadium, tungsten, and cobalt blocks

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The Ministry of Mines has successfully auctioned eight critical and strategic mineral blocks across five states under Tranche IV of its mineral auctions, bringing the total number of auctioned blocks to 22. Launched on June 24, 2024, Tranche IV initially offered 21 mineral blocks, with ten progressing to the second round of e-auctions, and eight blocks awarded.

The blocks auctioned are located in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, four blocks from the North-East region, including Arunachal Pradesh, were auctioned for the first time, signaling an expansion of India’s mining frontier.

Key minerals in this auction include graphite and vanadium, essential for energy storage and green technologies, as well as tungsten and cobalt, which are vital for high-tech and defense applications. The auction saw active participation from major companies such as Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta, Mamco Mining Private, Oil India, and Orissa Metaliks, with premiums ranging from 2.55% to 320%.

The remaining two blocks from Tranche IV will be auctioned by December 2, 2024.

Earlier this year, the ministry launched its third tranche of auctions, granting concessions for seven mineral blocks across five states. These included minerals critical for energy transition, such as lithium, nickel, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). The government also amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, setting reduced royalty rates for lithium, niobium, and REEs.

India’s growing focus on critical minerals aligns with its push towards clean energy and electric vehicle development. The government’s first-ever report on “Critical Minerals for India” identified 30 minerals essential for advancing renewable technologies, further highlighting the strategic importance of these auctions.

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Construction Costs Rise 11% in 2024, Driven by Labour Expenses

Cement Prices Decline 15%, But Labour Costs Surge by 25%

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The cost of construction in India increased by 11% over the past year, primarily driven by a 25% rise in labour expenses, according to Colliers India. While prices of key materials like cement dropped by 15% and steel saw a marginal 1% decrease, the surge in labour costs stretched construction budgets across sectors.

“Labour, which constitutes over a quarter of construction costs, has seen significant inflation due to the demand for skilled workers and associated training and compliance costs,” said Badal Yagnik, CEO of Colliers India.

The residential segment experienced the sharpest cost escalation due to a growing focus on quality construction and demand for gated communities. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial real estate remained resilient, with 37 million square feet of office space and 22 million square feet of warehousing space completed in the first nine months of 2024.

“Despite rising costs, investments in automation and training are helping developers address manpower challenges and streamline project timelines,” said Vimal Nadar, senior director at Colliers India.

With labour costs continuing to influence overall construction expenses, developers are exploring strategies to optimize operations and mitigate rising costs.

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Swiss Steel to Cut 800 Jobs

Job cuts due to weak demand

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Swiss Steel has announced plans to cut 800 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, triggered by weak demand in the global steel market. The company, a major player in the European steel industry, cited an ongoing slowdown in demand as the primary reason behind the workforce reduction. These job cuts are expected to impact various departments across its operations, including production and administrative functions.

The steel industry has been facing significant challenges due to reduced demand from key sectors such as construction and automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the broader economic slowdown in Europe, coupled with rising energy costs, has further strained the profitability of steel producers like Swiss Steel. In response to these conditions, the company has decided to streamline its operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Swiss Steel’s decision to cut jobs is part of a broader trend in the steel industry, where companies are adjusting to volatile market conditions. The move is aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency, but it highlights the continuing pressures faced by the manufacturing sector amid uncertain global economic conditions.

The layoffs are expected to occur across Swiss Steel’s production facilities and corporate offices, as the company focuses on consolidating its workforce. Despite these cuts, Swiss Steel plans to continue its efforts to innovate and adapt to market demands, with an emphasis on high-value, specialty steel products.

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UltraTech Cement to raise Rs 3,000 crore via NCDs to boost financial flexibility

UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore

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UltraTech Cement, the Aditya Birla Group’s flagship company, has announced plans to raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in one or more tranches. The move aims to strengthen the company’s financial position amid increasing competition in the cement sector.

UltraTech’s finance committee has approved the issuance of rupee-denominated, unsecured, redeemable, and listed NCDs. The company has experienced strong stock performance, with its share price rising 22% over the past year, boosting its market capitalization to approximately Rs 3.1 lakh crore.

For Q2 FY2025, UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore, below analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter also fell 2% YoY to Rs 15,635 crore, and EBITDA margins contracted by 300 basis points. Despite this, the company saw a 3% increase in domestic sales volume, supported by lower energy costs.

In a strategic move, UltraTech invested Rs 3,954 crore for a 32.7% equity stake in India Cements, further solidifying its position in South India. UltraTech holds an 11% market share in the region, while competitor Adani holds 6%. UltraTech also secured $500 million through a sustainability-linked loan, underscoring its focus on sustainable growth driven by infrastructure and housing demand.

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