BALCO Strengthens Commitment to Quality and Excellence in Aluminium Production with ‘Quality Sankalp’*
त्रिनेत्र टाइम्स कोरबा ****/ *Balconagar, 22nd July 2025:* Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, introduced their flagship quality transformation initiative titled ‘Quality Sankalp’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to achieving ‘Zero Defect’ across its diverse product portfolio. The monthly initiative engaged more than 300 employees and business partners across multiple shop-floor units, fostering a culture of shared accountability for quality within the plant.
At BALCO, quality is a non-negotiable and integral aspect in every stage of the aluminium production lifecycle. From raw material selection to final product inspection, rigorous quality checks are systematically enforced. Raw materials such as coke, pitch, alumina and aluminium fluoride (AlF3) undergo detailed evaluation for chemical and physical parameters, including carbon and sulphur content and particle size distribution, which are critical for enhancing efficiency in the smelting process.
Additionally, during the metal melting process in potlines, the cryolite ratio is regulated to boost the effectiveness of electrolysis. The resulting molten aluminium is then subjected to a purity assessment before casting. Following casting, metallographic analysis is conducted to ensure uniform distribution of alloying elements. These extensive quality checks at each stage play a pivotal role in upholding product integrity while contributing to sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.
To institutionalize this focus, Quality Sankalp was launched under the theme ‘Standard Work = Quality Work’, underscoring the importance of standardized procedures to achieve consistent and high-quality production. By promoting behavioural change at the individual level, this monthly endeavour aims to advocate, educate, monitor, and strengthen quality practices across the organization placing BALCO as a high-quality aluminium producer in the metals sector.
Speaking on the initiative, Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director, BALCO, stated, “At BALCO, quality is not just a goal, it is a way of working. Quality is at the forefront of our aluminium production, and through initiatives like Quality Sankalp, we are instilling a culture that encourages individual ownership, behavioural change, and continuous improvement. This transformation will empower us to deliver excellence, consistently and sustainably.”
In addition to Quality Sankalp, BALCO has undertaken several year-round quality initiatives including ‘Quality Knowledge Bites’, a learning series focused on enhancing awareness on quality principles. The company also celebrates World Quality Week with multiple interactive programs along with participation in the Standard Carnivals furthering its commitment to quality.
BALCO’s dedication to quality and sustainable excellence is underscored by its attainment of key certifications as well, including:
• Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Certification for sustainability in the aluminium value chain
• BIS certification for a broad product portfolio: 12 mm wire rods, EC ingots, alloy ingots, primary ingots, rolled sheets, conductor plates, and rolled plates
• ISO 9001:2015: Quality Management System for quality management and customer satisfaction
• IATF 16949:2016: International Automotive Task Force for the production and supply of products with various applications in the automotive industry
• ISO/IEC 17025:2017: NABL accreditation
• ISO 14001:2015: Environment Management System for environmental sustainability and waste reduction
• ISO 50001:2018: Energy Management System for production of primary aluminium and alloys
• ISO 45001:2018: Occupational Health & Safety Management System
