Vedanta Aluminium announced that it is hosting India's largest fleet of electric lithium-ion forklifts, with 44 units now deployed across its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
The company recently commissioned India's first 10-tonne electric lithium-ion forklift at its mega aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda, Odisha. In addition, it has also inducted 3-tonne and 5-tonne electric forklifts for the first time at its alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha and also at its subsidiary BALCO, the aluminium producer based at Korba, Chhattisgarh.
To ensure enhanced safety and efficiency in operations, these forklifts are enabled with an IoT-based ‘Smart Fleet Management’ system, the company noted.
Undertaken in collaboration with GEAR (Gemini Equipment and Rentals) India and TARON Lift & Move, it comes as a significant step forward for the aluminium maker towards decarbonising its industrial vehicle fleet. It has set a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The company has also committed to decarbonising 100% of its light motor vehicle fleet by 2030 and 75% of its mining fleet by 2035.
Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta, Aluminium Business, said, “Our partnerships with leading technological 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.”