MCX – India’s No. 1 Metal and Energy Exchange sets a new benchmark

of quality and transparency for Indian Exchange Industry

MCX announces filing of its DRHP and proposes listing of its shares for a more transparent and scientific price discovery process. This will enable smooth entry and exit of its shareholders and investors. Since exchanges have a cap on shareholding percentage and are widely held, listing is of paramount importance for enhanced shareholder scrutiny, accountability of management and adherence to highest level of corporate governance at par with the best exchanges in the world.

MCX has decided to have an Exchange Ombudsman for the first time in India subject to necessary approval. The former judge of Bombay High Court, Justice Kamdar has kindly agreed to be the Exchange Ombudsman. This is a pioneering step in the exchange industry.

MCX is in favour of bringing Exchanges under ‘Right To Information (RTI)’. The Exchange will work with policy makers to develop a frame work for RTI Policy for Exchanges.

MCX will continue its policy of management continuity without generating legacy by ensuring that generally no MD and CEO can continue beyond two terms. Practiced since inception, it is true institutionalization in letter and spirit and yet preventing creation of management legacy and over dependence on personalities.

Listing will not limit the benefit of exchange industry growth to handful of institutional investors. A large number of small and retail investors can share the benefits of this growing industry. They too will get an opportunity to be included in the growth story of commodity industry and India.

Quote of Mr. Lamon Rutten, MD & CEO, MCX

“At the heart of our business operations and business relationships is a remarkable level of trust and confidence that the commodity market participants and other key stakeholders have in us. We believe that for exchanges to uphold healthy competition, transparency, and be open to public scrutiny, they should be listed. The IPO will give us another opportunity to nurture this trust and confidence. Also, thanks to the policy makers, India will be the benchmark price setter for major metal and energy products from the East.”

TRAI Recommendations on 2G Pricing Not Appropriate

31^st March 2011

Rajan S Mathews, Director General commented on the recent recommendations by TRAI on 2G Spectrum Pricing. In his statement to the media based on the report by Analysys Mason on behalf of Idea Cellular, he stated that:

COAI has reviewed the analysis of the 2G pricing recommendations submitted to the DoT by the TRAI. An evaluation by economic and technical experts from Analysys Mason on behalf of IDEA Cellular has been carried out. We are pleased to note that yet another critical analysis of the TRAI Recommendations on 2G Pricing conducted by such a reputed firm, has pointed to the substantial flaws in the TRAI study and recommendations to the DoT. We believe that due to the many shortcomings in the TRAI study, the DoT should ignore it as a basis for deriving 2G spectrum pricing and the Government should move directly towards an early auction of available 2G spectrum. "

About COAI:

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) was constituted in 1995 as a registered, non-governmental society dedicated to the advancement of communication, particularly modern communication through Cellular Mobile Telephone Services. With a vision to establish and sustain a world-class cellular infrastructure and facilitate affordable mobile communication services in India, COAI's main objectives are to protect the common & collective interests of its members. Prominent private service providers and the infrastructure vendors are members of COAI, and work closely on various Industry issues.

New high-voltage cables allow higher current transmission

When higher currents are transported through high-voltage cables, the cables heat up and sag. A new material from ThyssenKrupp VDM (Werdohl) avoids this effect. It increases the efficiency of power lines and so boosts the capacity of existing grids, which in many industrial regions are already operating at their load limit. This can reduce the need to build new power lines and the associated large transmission towers. As well as the cost saving for energy utilities, there are benefits for the environment and the landscape. ThyssenKrupp VDM's new material for this application is called Pernifer 36 MoW. "This high-performance material opens up new possibilities for utilities in the construction of power grids, and also has positive effects for the environment," says Dr. Jutta Klöwer, head of research and development at ThyssenKrupp VDM. "That's why we believe there will be a high demand for our product."

With conventional overland power lines, current transmission is limited because when high currents are transmitted the cables undergo excessive thermal expansion and sag too much. The new high-performance material Pernifer 36 MoW has a factor of 4 lower thermal expansion and high mechanical strength, allowing higher current-carrying capacity. Despite the increased heating due to the higher load, the power lines do not sag in critical areas as would be the case with conventional cables. ThyssenKrupp VDM achieves these properties in the iron-nickel alloy among other things through the addition of carbon, molybdenum and tungsten to form carbide (molybdenum-tungsten carbide). A further increase in strength takes place during cold drawing. Subsequent coating of the wire with aluminum is carried out by the customer.

ThyssenKrupp VDM (Werdohl) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-performance materials, including nickel alloys, special stainless steels as well as zirconium and titanium mill products. The company has been supplying sheet, plate, rod, ingots, strip and wire for more than 80 years. ThyssenKrupp VDM (approximately 1,800 employees) has German production sites in Werdohl, Altena, Unna, Siegen and Essen.

Country’s Population Reaches 1210 Million as Per Census 2011
Up Remains Most Populous State With 199 Million
Overall Sex Ratio Reaches 940 – 7 Points Increases Over 2001
Literacy Rate Goes up to 74.04 Percent from 64.83 Percent



The population of the country as per the provisional figures of Census 2011 is 1210.19 million of which 63.72 million (51.54%) are males and 586.46 million (48.46%) are females. The provisional figures of Census 2011 were released in New Delhi today by Union Home Secretary Shri G.K.Pillai and RGI Shri C. Chandramouli.



The major highlights of the Census 2011 (Provisional figures) are as under ;-


The population of India has increased by more than 181 million during the decade 2001-2011.


Percentage growth in 2001-2011 is 17.64; males 17.19 and females 18.12.


2001-2011 is the first decade (with the exception of 1911-1921) which has actually added lesser population compared to the previous decade.


Uttar Pradesh (199.5 million) is the most populous State in the country followed by Maharashtra with 112 million.


The percentage decadal growth rates of the six most populous States have declined during 2001-2011 compared to 1991-2001:













15 States/UTs have grown by less than 1.5 per cent per annum during 2001-2011, while the number of such States/UTs was only 4 during the previous decade.


The total number of children in the age-group 0-6 is 158.8 million (-5 million since 2001)


Twenty States and Union Territories now have over one million children in the age group 0-6 years. On the other extreme, there are five States and Union Territories in the country that are yet to reach the one hundred thousand mark.


Uttar Pradesh (29.7 million), Bihar (18.6 million), Maharashtra (12.8 million), Madhya Pradesh (10.5 million) and Rajasthan (10.5 million) constitute 52% children in the age group of 0-6 years.


Population (0-6 years) 2001-2011 registered minus (-)3.08 percent growth with minus (-)2.42 for males and –3.80 for females.


The proportion of Child Population in the age group of 0-6 years to total population is 13.1 percent while the corresponding figure in 2001 was 15.9 percent. The decline has been to the extent of 2.8 points.


Overall sex ratio at the national level has increased by 7 points to reach 940 at Census 2011 as against 933 in Census 2001. This is the highest sex ratio recorded since Census 1971 and a shade lower than 1961. Increase in sex ratio is observed in 29 States/UTs.


Three major States (J&K, Bihar & Gujarat) have shown decline in sex ratio as compared to Census 2001.


Kerala with 1084 has the highest sex ratio followed by Puducherry with 1038, Daman & Diu has the lowest sex ratio of 618.


Child sex ratio (0-6 years) is 914. Increasing trend in the child sex ratio (0-6) seen in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and A&N Islands. In all remaining 27 States/UTs, the child sex ratio show decline over Census 2001.


Mizoram has the highest child sex ratio (0-6 years) of 971 followed by Meghalaya with 970. Haryana is at the bottom with ratio of 830 followed by Punjab with 846.


Literacy rate has gone up from 64.83 per cent in 2001 to 74.04 per cent in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21 percentage points.


Percentage growth in literacy during 2001-2011 is 38.82; males : 31.98% & females : 49.10%.


Literates constitute 74 per cent of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26 per cent.

SMS MEER

‘’Best Supervisor of the Year 2010’’

Baosteel presents award to SMS Meer employee

One SMS Meer employee in particular the eye of Chinese customer Baosteel with his ambition and personal dedication: the management team at Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. chose Horst Barkowic as its ‘Supervisor of the Year.’

Mr. Barkowic and his colleagues supported Baosteel during the commissioning of the new 60-MN extrusion press line for steel tubes. The Commissioning had originally been scheduled to take place over twelve months. The SMS Meer team managed it in just 100 days. ‘’You impressed us greatly with your performance’’, said baosteel Head of Division Chen Jianfeng at the prize-giving ceremony in Shanghai. ‘’A great result which was made possible thanks to your personal commitment in particular.’’

The new press line at Baosteel is one of the most modern plants of its type in the world. It produces stainless steel tubes of various alloys and is extremely flexible in terms of its application as it covers a tube diameter range of around 50 to 350 mm and wall thicknesses of between 4 and 40 mm. The tubes are used in power plant construction, for example. Where extreme temperatures and high resistance to aggressive acids are required.

Uhde is expanding Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann's coke oven plant

In late 2010 Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) awarded Uhde a contract to build a second coke oven battery at its Duisburg Huckingen site as well as to expand the gas treatment unit and revamp the pushing machines, coal charging cars and transfer machines. This new coke oven battery will enable HKM to increase its current production from 1.16 to 2.32 million tonnes of coke per year.

The coke oven battery will comprise 70 large-capacity ovens. The oven chamber dimensions will be the same as those of the first battery, which has been in operation since 1984. Thus, with a height of 7.85 m, a length of 18 m and an average chamber width of 550 mm, the chambers will have an effective chamber volume of 70 m3. The new coke oven plant will be equipped with the latest state of the art, including the low-NOx COMBIFLAME® heating system developed by Uhde and the PROven® single-chamber pressure control system for reducing emissions at oven closures due to leakage arising from deviations from normal operation.

The expansion of the existing gas treatment unit will increase the current throughput from 75,000 to 160,000 standard cubic metres of coke oven gas per hour. The scope of supplies for the gas treatment unit will also include a new desulphurisation unit. The sour gas from this unit will be fed along with the sour gas from the existing desulphurisation unit to two new Claus units for the production of liquid sulphur based on the MONOCLAUS® process. This Uhde technology will replace the existing sulphuric acid plant with the appurtenant backup combustion system and result in much lower sulphur dioxide emissions from the expanded coke oven plant.

Uhde's services with regard to this coke oven plant project include the engineering, supply and erection of most of the overall complex.

The plant is scheduled to produce its first coke in autumn 2013.

Uhde has a workforce of more than 4,500 employees worldwide and is a company in the Plant Technology business area of the ThyssenKrupp Group. The company's activities focus on the engineering and construction of chemical and other industrial plants in the following fields: fertilisers; electrolysis; gas technologies; oil, coal, and residue gasification; refining technologies; organic intermediates, polymers and synthetic fibres; and also coke plant and high-pressure technologies. We also provide our customers with professional services and comprehensive solutions in all areas of industrial plant operation.

Situated in Duisburg, the "steel city" of Germany´s Ruhr area, the Huettenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) GmbH produce over 1.000 different grades of steel complying with the highest German and international quality standards. With a staff of roughly 3.000 employees, HKM´s annual production capacity totals 5.6 million tons, which equals about 12 % of Germany´s crude steel production. HKM´s semi-finished products, in the shape of slabs as well as round bars, are exclusively being delivered to its parent companies, ThyssenKrupp Steel AG, Salzgitter Mannesmann GmbH and V&M Tubes S.A.S., where they are processed into finished goods and brought to market. HKM´s competitive strategy is clearly focused on "quality leadership": To consistently manufacture and deliver highest grade products and services, adhering to our customers´ needs with maximum flexibility. By striving to continuously increase the value for its customers, HKM secures its own long-term competitiveness and positions itself as one of Germany´s leading steel mills. HKM is a EN14001, EN9001 and OHSAS18001-certified company.

EVRAZ Announces Financial Results for 2010

31 March 2011 - EVRAZ Group S.A. (LSE: EVR) today announces its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2010.

2010 Highlights:

Financials:

• Consolidated revenue US$13,394 million (+37% vs. 2009)
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA US$2,350 million (+90%)
• Net profit US$532 million (net loss US$292⁽¹⁾ million in 2009)
• Operating cash flow US$1,662 million
• Total debt US$7,811 million (vs. US$7,923 million as of 31 December 2009) of which short-term debt US$714 million (vs. US$1,992 million as of 31 December 2009)

Steel segment:

• Crude steel production 16.3 million tonnes (+7%)
• Total external steel sales volumes 15.5 million tonnes (+9%)
• Steel segment revenue US$12,123 million (+35%)

Mining segment:

• Iron ore production 19.8 million tonnes (+6%)
• Raw coking coal production 7.5 million tonnes (-27%)
• Steam coal production 3.8 million tonnes (-8%)
• Mining segment revenue US$2,507 million (+72%)

Vanadium segment:

• Primary vanadium (slag) production 20,969 tonnes (+8%)
• External vanadium product sales volumes 19,776 tonnes (+9%)
• Vanadium segment revenue US$566 million (+56%)

Corporate developments:

• Successful tender for the licences to develop the Mezhegey coking coal deposit in March 2010 and the Mezhegey Eastern coking coal deposit in October 2010
• Launch of major rail mill modernisation projects
• Commencement of implementation of pulverised coal injection (PCI) technology at two Russian steel mills
• Approval for construction of Yuzhny Rolling Mill in the Rostov Region of Southern Russia and the Kostanay Rolling Mill in Kazakhstan, each with 450,000 tonnes of construction steel capacity
• Acquisition in December 2010 of INPROM, a Russian metal service company, to strengthen EVRAZ’s distribution network
• Conversion in January 2011 of old order mining rights into new order mining rights for Mapochs Mine in South Africa

(1) Net income numbers do not correspond to the 2009 financial statements due to the changes in the accounting policies (Note 2 to Financial Statements)

BHP Billiton Approves USD554 Million Investment at Escondida

30 March 2011

BHP Billiton today announced approval for the Escondida Ore Access project (EOA), the first of a number of development options that will underline Escondida’s status as the world’s premier copper operation.

The EOA project will relocate the crushing and conveying facilities currently located inside Escondida’s main pit to improve access to higher grade ore and thereby support higher production from 2013. The project is expected to cost US$554 million (US$319 million BHP Billiton share) and will be completed by mid calendar year 2012.

BHP Billiton Base Metals President, Peter Beaven, said: “Escondida has been one of the world’s premier copper mines for over two decades and our ongoing exploration program suggests the basin retains a number of options for further development. In addition to the project announced today, we are studying a number of additional opportunities to improve access to higher grade ore and increase processing capacity over the years to come.”

Escondida is an operation located 170 km southeast of the city of Antofagasta, at 3,100 meters above sea level. Its owners are BHP Billiton (57.5%), Rio Tinto (30%), JECO Corporation (10%) and JECO 2 ltd. (2.5%).

ThyssenKrupp Nirosta in Dillenburg: Roll management with innovative RFID technology

Five rolling mills, 2,200 rolls and bearings, 4,700 storage locations, 200 to 250 turning, grinding and polishing operations and storage movements each day: Anyone looking for a real challenge should apply for the job of roll manager in a stainless steel production plant. And yet these figures from the Dillenburg cold-rolling mill of ThyssenKrupp Nirosta give only a rough idea of how demanding the work really is. Because not all the rolls are the same. Some are suitable only for certain stainless steel grades or strip thicknesses. They come in different shapes and, even more challenging, their diameter is changing all the time.

To keep track of its rolls, ThyssenKrupp Nirosta is now using one of the most innovative and fastest-growing identification technologies around: Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID for short. With RFID, data can be read contactlessly and fully automatically over longer distances and the information can be processed for a wide variety of purposes. The technology is used in toll collection systems to identify vehicles and allocate costs, and in large libraries to collect data on loans, returns and inventory. The core components of RFID systems are transponders, readers with antennas, and interfaces to the data processing system. The Dillenburg plant uses passive transponders read by radio antennas.

At its Dillenburg plant ThyssenKrupp Nirosta, a company in the Stainless Global business area of the ThyssenKrupp Group, produces 21,000 to 24,000 metric tons per month of stainless steel cold-rolled strip with premium-quality finishes, used for example in prestigious building facades and high-end appliances. The plant features three 20-high mills and two skin pass mills, one of which operates inline. As they are subject to heavy wear in the production process, the rolls frequently have to be changed and ground. Even the slightest unevenness causes flaws in the strip surface.

"Roll management for the 20-high mills is particularly complex," says Heinz Röther, cold-rolling mill team leader in Dillenburg. The units operate with groups of 20 rolls of different thicknesses and in some cases different shapes. The rolls support each other so as to absorb the high forces produced in the stainless steel cold rolling process. The components of the roll assembly must be selected to maintain the roll gap of just a few millimeters required for the stainless steel strip. "Because the diameters of the individual rolls are constantly changing as a result of grinding, finding the right combination is an ongoing process," says Röther.

"With RFID roll management is largely automated," says Herbert Schneider, head of information management and organization in Dillenburg. The new system not only knows each individual roll as if by name, it also knows where each one is, whether it is new, recently ground, polished, turned or worn, as well as details of its diameter and shape. The right roll diameters for the mills can now be assembled online, and the system also indicates the storage locations of the rolls and provides concrete suggestions for the optimum roll assembly.

Glass LF (low-frequency) transponders attached directly to the rolls in special recesses act as electronic labels. Information on the current dimensions, machining condition and period of use of each of the parts can be saved and organized in databases. UHF (ultra-high-frequency) transponders on cassettes, racks, tables and floor-level storage locations help quickly locate the rolls. RFID antennas on forklifts report cassette movements. Information on rolling, polishing and turning is entered via handheld computers. A Java-based web application ensures that employees always have access to all information via handheld computers connected to a wireless network.

It's clear that this innovative solution can save time and money, but RFID also has a positive effect on product quality. For example, the employees in Dillenburg record details of when the rolls were installed in the mill stands and when they were removed, which helps reduce defects caused by rolls.

Because the stainless steel strip is covered in rolling oil during cold rolling, surface defects are only detected in the subsequent annealing process. Hours or even days can pass between these two production steps. Up to now it has been difficult to trace which roll was responsible for the defects because the stainless steel strip can be up to nine kilometers long and wear out as many as five work rolls. Now the team in Dillenburg has much more accurate information about which roll was being used in the mill at a particular time and which section of the strip it was used for. Team leader Röther: "We have succeeded in reducing the number of defects caused by rolls by up to 50 percent." An impressive result, not just for customers of ThyssenKrupp Nirosta: That's why the roll management system is now also to be used in the cold-rolling mill of the new stainless steel plant in Alabama, USA.

Central Assistance for Subarnarekha Irrigation Project

Centre has provided an assistance of Rs.216.817 crore for Subernrekha project to Orissa State for 2010-11. With this, the total Central assistance for this Project has gone to Rs.1,058.35 crore. Subernrekha project is an inter-state project between Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal. West Bengal component of the project is at present at initial stage and is not being posed for Central Assistance under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) after 2002-03. Jharkhand component of the project is not included in AIBP so far. Hence active component of the project under AIBP is in Orissa State only. Government of Orissa has earmarked March 2014 as the targeted completion date for Subernrekha Project. A total of 6,920 families in Orissa have been affected from this project. The Centre has been informed by the Government of Orissa that rehabilitation assistance has been paid to 2,840 families and payment is in progress for 1,699 families. The Government of Orissa has a budgetary provision of Rs.350 crore for the project for 2010-11.

Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Meets Minister of Industry and Trade, Republic of Mozambique

The Minister of Industry and Trade, Mozambique, Mr. Armando Inroga, along with Mr. Danilo Nala, Director General, GAZEDA, Mr. Odete Mondlane Tsamba, CEO, IPEME and other officials called on Shri Virbhadra Singh, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises here today.

The Minister extended a warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries and assured full co-operation for the development of MSME sector in both countries. He said that MSME is one of the most important sector contributing to the Indian economy.

Mr. Armando Inroga, Minister of Industry and Trade, Mozambique, thanked the Minister of MSME and mentioned that there are enormous opportunities in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises for mutual benefits of both the countries. He further added that MSME is a priority sector, as they have plenty of land and resources available with them. He expressed his desire to collaborate with Indian MSME sector in view of the tremendous work done by India in this sector. He also informed that NSIC is setting up an incubation centre in Mozambique.

Shri Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary (MSME) during the meeting, emphasized that sharing of best experiences between the two countries should be the first step. He stated that the MSME sector in India contributes to about 45% of the total manufactured output and nearly 40% of India’s exports. There are approximately 26 million MSMEs in the country providing employment to about 60 million persons. He further informed that the Ministry is having very good infrastructure for providing entrepreneurship development training and offered to provide tailor-made programmes for the people of Mozambique, if they so desired. He asked the Mozambique Minister to take further action on the MoU, which was signed in September 2010 by holding first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) as soon as possible. In this regard, he informed that the Ministry of MSME has already constituted a Joint Committee and the same has also been conveyed.

The visiting delegation agreed to constitute the Joint Committee and also requested Secretary (MSME) to hold the first JCM in Mozambique during the second week of June 2011. They further informed that during that time i.e. June 8-10, 2011, a trade fair on packaging industry is going to be held and also requested Secretary (MSME) to lead a delegation of MSMEs who can participate in that fair.

The Minister of Mozambique extended kind invitation to Shri Virbhadra Singh, Minister of MSME to visit Mozambique and lead a business delegation during the forthcoming trade exposition of Mozambique during August-September, 2011.

Railway Revenue Earnings up by 10.40 Per Cent During the Period 11th – 20th March 2011

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the period from 11th to 20th March, 2011 were Rs. 2789.59 crore compared to Rs. 2658.48 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 4.93 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 1775.73 crore during the period from 11th to 20th March 2010 to Rs. 1948.02 crore during 11th March to 20th March, 2011, showing an increase of 9.70 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during the period 11th to 20th March 2011 were Rs. 742.98 crore compared to Rs. 766.34 crore during the same period last year, reflecting a decrease of 3.05 per cent. The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 65.15 crore during this period compared to Rs. 64.85 crore during the same period last year, showing an increase of 0.46 per cent.

The total approximate number of passengers booked during the period 11th to 20th March 2011 were 202.66 million compared to 208.04 million during the same period last year, showing a decrease of 2.59 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the number of passengers booked during 11th to 20th March, 2011 were 104.66 million and 98.00 million compared to 108.83 million and 99.21 million during the same period last year, registering a decrease of 3.83 per cent and 1.22 per cent respectively.

BHEL wins Rs.5,450 Crore Mega Contract FOR 3x660 MW Supercritical Power Project from the Bajaj Group

Outbidding Alstom under International Competitive Bidding (ICB), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has bagged the main plant package contract for three coal-fired thermal units of 660 MW each with supercritical parameters. Valued at Rs.5,450 Crore, the order has been placed on BHEL by Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited (LPGCL), a Bajaj group company, for setting up the 1,980 MW Lalitpur Supercritical Thermal Power Station (TPS) in Uttar Pradesh.

This is the first power project being set up by the Bajaj group based on supercritical technology and by placing this order on BHEL, the customer has reposed confidence in the company’s technological excellence as also its capability in executing power projects of this magnitude.

With this contract, BHEL has maintained its track record of bagging most of the orders for power generating equipment in Uttar Pradesh. The company has commissioned about 9,900 MW of power generating sets of various ratings in the state, so far.

BHEL is already executing major contracts for supply of main plant equipment with supercritical parameters for the 2x660 MW Barh Thermal Power Project Stage-II of NTPC; 3x660 MW Bara Thermal Power Project of Prayagraj Power Generation Company Limited, a part of the Jaypee Group; 2x800 MW Yeramarus and 1x800 MW Edlapur Thermal Power Projects of Raichur Power Corporation Limited and the 1x700 MW Bellary Thermal Power Project (Unit 3) of KPCL.

In addition, BHEL is also executing a contract for supply of supercritical Steam Generators to APGenco’s 2x800 MW Krishnapatnam Thermal Power Project, which is in an advanced stage of completion.

BHEL has upgraded its technology base from sub-critical sets to supercritical sets of 660/700/800MW and above, which will enable the country to be self-reliant in the field of supercritical thermal power plants.

BHEL has established the capability to deliver 15,000 MW of power equipment per annum and further augmentation to 20,000 MW per annum is underway. In fiscal 2009-10, a record 74% of the total power generated in the country was contributed by BHEL sets, which comprise two-thirds of the country’s installed capacity.

 "Equinox Offer Remains the Clear and Compelling Choice for Lundin Shareholders".

 

TORONTO, ON, March 30, 2011: Equinox Minerals Limited (TSX and ASX symbol: "EQN") ("Equinox" or the "Company") today commented on the announcement by Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin") and Inmet Mining Corporation ("Inmet") on March 29, 2011 that Lundin and Inmet have mutually terminated the merger of equals agreement dated January 12, 2011.  The reason for termination as per Mr Phil Wright's comments (President and CEO of Lundin) "We have however agreed to mutually terminate the agreement on the grounds that we could not reach a position that we thought would be supported by both companies' shareholders" provides further support that the Equinox offer to acquire Lundin (the Equinox "Offer") is, by any measure, the most attractive alternative for Lundin shareholders.

 

Equinox also notes Lundin's announcement on March 29, 2011 that its Board of Directors has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan").  This is a common delay tactic adopted by recipients of unsolicited acquisition approaches in North America.  Equinox notes that, as disclosed in Lundin's and Inmet's notice of meeting and joint information circular dated February 9, 2011, Lundin conducted a strategy session in September 2010, almost six months ago, during which a number of strategic alternatives were discussed.  The outcome of this strategy session was the approach and ultimate agreement to a nil-premium merger with Inmet, which was announced on January 12, 2011.  However,  Mr Wright has today said that he wants to again "explore all alternatives to bring value to Lundin shareholders" and that "the Rights Plan ensures that [Lundin] can do this in a considered and structured way and get the best result for [Lundin] shareholders".  Equinox believes that Lundin has already had every opportunity to do just this in the months leading up to the execution of its agreement with Inmet.

 

During the eleven weeks that have followed the announcement of the Inmet-Lundin proposal, Equinox's Offer is the only alternative that has emerged.  Equinox does not believe that Lundin's proposed further review process at this point in time can be considered likely to result in a superior proposal to Equinox's Offer, which remains the only clear and compelling offer available to Lundin shareholders.

 

Equinox's President and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Williams, commented, "Our offer has always been and remains the clear and compelling choice for Lundin shareholders. It provides them with the flexibility to receive significant value in cash now or to benefit over the long term by participating in the potential of a leading pure-play copper company with a portfolio of world-class assets and a strong growth profile."

 

Clear Choice for Lundin Shareholders: Superior Value and Flexibility

 

Since it was announced, Equinox's Offer has been the superior alternative for Lundin shareholders. During this period, Lundin shares have traded in line with the implied value of the Equinox Offer on the TSX.  Equinox's Offer of C$8.10 per share, based on Equinox's share price prior to announcement of the Offer, reflects a 26% premium to the closing price of Lundin shares on the TSX of C$6.45 per share on February 25, 2011 (the last trading day before the announcement of the Offer).  Moreover, with the flexibility to choose between Equinox shares or cash, the Equinox Offer provides Lundin shareholders with the opportunity to select the consideration that best suits their individual preferences.

 

As previously disclosed, the Equinox Offer is now open to Lundin shareholders who are residents of Sweden.  The Offer will remain open to all Lundin shareholders until 6:00pm on April 14, 2011 unless withdrawn or extended. Equinox intends to list its shares on the OMX and looks forward to welcoming Swedish investors onto its register.

 

Combined Company Well-Positioned to Create Long-Term Value for Shareholders

 

Together Equinox and Lundin will have a geographically diverse portfolio of expandable copper assets with a production growth target of 500,000 tonnes per annum of copper.  Equinox will be able to leverage its considerable experience in both exploration and construction to pursue both the expansion potential of this high-quality portfolio and the considerable exploration potential surrounding these operations.

 

Those Lundin shareholders who elect to receive Equinox shares will be able to participate in the value created through this combination through exposure to one of the most attractive, lower-risk copper growth profiles in the sector with confidence that this increased copper production will be delivered into the expected near term strength in copper prices.

Indium Corporation Expands Sales Efforts in Austria

 

Indium Corporation announces that they have appointed AdoptSMT Europe GmbH as its newest sales channel partner in Austria. AdoptSMT is responsible for distributing Indium’s solder products, including solder paste, wire, rework fluxes, engineered solders, and thermal interface materials.

 

Based in Grödig near Salzburg, AdoptSMT has been a distributor in Europe for over 20 years. The sales process will be managed by Günther Breckner, Sales Manager Europe and Michael Petöcz, Field Sales Engineer Austria.

 

According to Brian Craig, Managing Director of Indium Corporation’s European Operations, “This new partnership with AdoptSMT greatly improves Indium Corporation’s ability to supply and service the local Austrian market. In addition, customers will benefit from this locally established supply chain. AdoptSMT has built their reputation on providing high quality products and exceptional customer service, which mirrors Indium Corporation’s value proposition.”

 

Erhard Hofmann, General Manager AdoptSMT Europe, said, ”We are selective about the suppliers we work with. Indium Corporation offers not only the standard solder products, such as bismuth-containing low-temperature solder products, but also industry-leading solutions for thermal interface materials. They also manufacture customized solder preforms and InFORMS^®, in addition to the more standard preforms. Working with Indium Corporation means that we can now offer our customers not only standard products, but also more customized solutions for their soldering challenges”.

 

About Indium Corporation

Indium Corporation is a premier materials supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, solar, thin film and thermal management markets. Products include solders, preforms, and fluxes; brazes; sputter targets; indium, gallium, and germanium chemicals and sourcing; and Reactive NanoFoil^®. Founded in 1934, Indium has global technical support and factories located in China, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

             

 

About AdoptSMT Group:

Founded in 1991 by Erhard Hofmann in Salzburg, Austria, as a software company, Adopt instantly gained a reputation as an excellent source for second hand SMT equipment once they moved their scope of business to this in 1994. Since then the AdoptSMT Group has proved to be one of the fastest growing enterprises for used SMT equipment. Today they include the headquarters in Austria with more than 6500m²; AdoptSMT Germany GmbH with 2000m² specialized on Siplace overhauling and service, AdoptSMT Polska Spółka z.o.o. with a small Siplace service facility, AdoptSMT UK Ltd with facilities in Redhill and Cumnock, Scotland and AdoptSMT Romania S.R.L with a sales office.  

 

Project implementation in record time: Siemens starts up bar mill of Handan Iron & Steel

In January 2011, Siemens started up a bar mill at the Chinese steelmaker Handan Iron & Steel Co. Engineering, manufacturing and delivery were completed in less than six months and the first bar was rolled after an additional period of only six months. This was made possible by the fully standardized design, the optimized manufacturing chain, and the systematic activities of Siemens project management, allowing rapid project execution as well as plug-and-produce system startup. The rolling mill is designed to produce an approximate annual 800,000 tons of special-bar-quality (SBQ) steels and expands the production capacity and product range of Handan Iron & Steel, replacing the outdated production equipment with a new high-end productivity line.

BHP Billiton Advances The Olympic Dam Project

30 March 2011

BHP Billiton today announced the Olympic Dam Project (ODP) in South Australia has progressed into the Feasibility study phase.

The decision comes ahead of the pending release of ODP's Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and the start of the formal assessment of the project by the Commonwealth, South Australian and Northern Territory governments.

BHP Billiton Uranium President, Dean Dalla Valle, said the project's progression into Feasibility followed the release of its Draft Environmental Statement in May 2009 and the subsequent assessment of the more than 4,000 public submissions received on a range of issues.

"The EIS team spent more than a year preparing answers to all the issues raised in the submissions and submitted this information along with additional studies in its SEIS which was handed to the Commonwealth for an adequacy test in December 2010.

"We are now awaiting permission from the Commonwealth to publish the SEIS, which will allow formal assessment of the project by the respective governments."

The ODP aims to develop a new open pit copper mine and associated gold and uranium byproducts alongside its existing underground operation and increase its production from around 180,000 tonnes per annum of copper to 750,000 tonnes per annum over the next 30 years.

If approved, the project will generate significant new employment opportunities for South Australia in terms of direct employment, construction jobs, and additional flow-on employment across the state.

Independent economic analysis of the project's impact on South Australia's economy estimates it will add more than A$45 billion to the Gross State Product over the life of the mine.

"The scale of this project will allow the company to continue to invest heavily in South Australian businesses and services, especially in the Upper Spencer Gulf region of Whyalla and Port Augusta," said Mr Dalla Valle.

"As part of the project the company will invest around A$20 million over the next 10 years in supporting indigenous communities and more than A$20 million in community investment as well as major environmental land management and water conservation programs across 21,000 km² of arid lands," he said.

A final decision on the project by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments is expected in the second half of this year.

LIC MUTUAL FUND & NOMURA ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF LIC NOMURA MUTUAL FUND

Mumbai/Tokyo, March 30, 2011—LIC Mutual Fund and Nomura today announced the launch of LIC Nomura Mutual Fund. Shri Namo Narain Meena, Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Government of India, announced the launch at a function held in Mumbai today to unveil the company’s new logo. The Minister wished the new partnership all success.

LIC Mutual Fund Trustee Company Private Limited and LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Limited (LIC MF) have entered into a joint venture with Nomura Asset Management Company Ltd. This is pursuant to Nomura having acquired 35 percent of the fully paid-up equity share capital of both LIC MF AMC and the Trustee Company. LIC Mutual Fund Trustee Company Pvt. Ltd. has now been renamed LIC NOMURA Mutual Fund Trustee Company Pvt. Ltd., while LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd. will now be known as LIC Nomura Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd.

Speaking at the function, Mr. T. S. Vijayan, Chairman, LIC Nomura Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd., said: “This partnership will help the investors in our Mutual Fund as they will get the benefit of the expertise and global experience of Nomura along with the well established trustworthiness of the LIC name.”

Mr. Takumi Shibata, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Nomura Holdings, said: “The joining of hands of LIC and Nomura, two leaders in their respective fields, will be a coming together of the excellent track-record and on-the-ground knowledge of LIC MF AMC with the global research, product development and investment management capabilities of Nomura Asset Management. With these enhanced capabilities, LIC Nomura Mutual Fund AMC will be well positioned to move further up the ranks of asset management companies in India and into a leading position in the near future.”

Mr. Thomas Mathew T., Chairman, LIC Nomura MF Trustee Co. Pvt. Ltd., spoke of the strengthening of both the product range and service delivery that will result from this joint venture.

Mr. Atsushi Yoshikawa, President and CEO, Nomura Asset Management, said: “Nomura Asset Management has a long history in the mutual fund business. We have solid expertise and skills in the management of many asset classes including global equity and fixed income products. We are immensely happy to bring our business experience to India through our joint venture LIC Nomura.”

Mr. Vikas Sharma, President and CEO of Nomura Financial Advisory & Securities, said: “This is a significant landmark and will be a combination of the strengths and expertise of both LIC and Nomura. India is a market of key strategic importance to Nomura. This joint venture further strengthens Nomura’s commitment to India.”

The primary objective underlying the joint venture between Nomura and LIC Mutual Fund is to leverage the respective business skills, know-how, experience and expertise of both parties to maximize the potential of LIC Nomura MF AMC.

Going forward, Nomura will provide and procure for LIC Nomura MF AMC its expertise on various matters such as structuring the nature and standards of operations for risk management, equity/debt/investment research, information technology operations, compliance and distribution of LIC NOMURA MF AMC’s products to overseas investors to enhance the customer base. Indian investors can look forward to an enhanced and differentiated offering of services and products from the joint venture.

About LIC MF

LIC Mutual Fund, formerly known as Jeevan Bima Sahyog AMC Ltd., has been in business since 19 June, 1989 and has floated 100 schemes over the period. As on date, continuous sale and repurchase is available under 26 open ended schemes. The AMC has been able to mobilize and deploy substantial funds. LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd. has its Corporate Office situated in Mumbai and has a pan India presence of 28 Area Offices and 93 Business Centres. The AMC has an excellent track record in Debt and Liquid Schemes which has led to its
winning 6 ICRA Awards including Star Fund of the Year (Debt). LIC Mutual Fund also won the Economic Times “Most Trusted Brand’ award amongst Mutual Funds for 2010. This year, the company has again won two ICRA seven star awards - for the three year period ending 31st December, 2010, under Liquid Funds Category and Floating Rate Fund Category.

About Nomura

Nomura is a leading financial services group and the preeminent Asian-based investment bank with worldwide reach. Nomura provides a broad range of innovative solutions tailored to the specific requirements of individual, institutional, corporate and government clients through an international network in over 30 countries. Based in Tokyo and with regional headquarters in Hong Kong, London, and New York, Nomura employs over 27,000 staff worldwide. Nomura’s unique understanding of Asia enables the company to make a difference for clients through three business divisions: retail, asset management, and wholesale (global markets and investment banking).
With its global research capabilities, investment expertise cultivated over its long history, and cutting-edge financial technologies, Nomura Asset Management has developed a range of high quality and sophisticated investment products designed to pursue superior investment performance and to meet the diverse needs of its clients. NAM offers an extensive product range, from traditional products based on active fund management or quantitative approaches to alternative products based on equities, fixed income, and other investment instruments backed by expanding research capabilities and by continuing to employ advanced risk management practices to complement rigorous compliance measures.

Index of Six Core Industries (Base: 1993-94=100): February 2011






The Index of Six core industries having a combined weight of 26.7 per cent in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 1993-94 stood at 268.9 (provisional) in February 2011 and registered a growth of 6.8% (provisional) compared to 4.2% registered in February 2010. During April-February 2010-11, six core industries registered a growth of 5.7% (provisional) as against 5.4% during the corresponding period of the previous year.

Crude Oil

Crude Oil production (weight of 4.17% in the IIP) registered a growth of 12.2% (provisional) in February 2011 compared to a growth rate of 4.0% in February 2010. The Crude Oil production registered a growth of 11.9% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to 0.3% during the same period of 2009-10.

Petroleum Refinery Products

Petroleum refinery production (weight of 2.00% in the IIP) registered a growth of 3.2% (provisional) in February 2011 compared to growth of 0.7% in February 2010. The Petroleum refinery production registered a growth of 2.5% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to (-) 0.4% during the same period of 2009-10.

Coal

Coal production (weight of 3.2% in the IIP) registered a growth of (-) 5.7% (provisional) in February 2011 compared to growth rate of 6.7% in February 2010. Coal production grew by 0.1% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to an increase of 7.9% during the same period of 2009-10.

Electricity

Electricity generation (weight of 10.17% in the IIP) registered a growth of 7.2 % (provisional) in February 2011 compared to growth rate of 6.9% in February 2010. Electricity generation grew by 5.4% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to 6.0% during the same period of 2009-10.

Cement

Cement production (weight of 1.99% in the IIP) registered a growth of 6.5% (provisional) in February 2011 compared to 7.9% in February 2010. Cement Production grew by 4.3% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to an increase of 10.8% during the same period of 2009-10.

Finished (carbon) steel

Finished (carbon) Steel production (weight of 5.13% in the IIP) registered a growth of 11.5% (provisional) in February 2011 compared to (-) 0.2% (estimated) in February 2010. Finished (carbon) Steel production grew by 8.1% (provisional) during April-February 2010-11 compared to an increase of 5.2% during the same period of 2009-10.

India- Zimbabwe to Cooperate in Mining, Power Generation, Agricultural Sector

India Awaits Ratification Process for BIPA: Anand Sharma

Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, in a bilateral meeting with Prof. Welshman Ncube, the Minister of Industry & Commerce Zimbabwe, here today, said, “The ratification process for the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) is complete on our side and we are awaiting the ratification on the Zimbabwean side before exchanging the instruments of ratification and enabling the agreement to become operational”. He further noted that, the BIPA will provide a fillip to Indian investors seeking to enter Zimbabwe. During the bilateral Shri Sharma emphasised, “Indo-Zimbabwe Small & Medium Enterprises project, under which we provided machinery, equipment and training worth US $ 5 million, we are planning to set up a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Zimbabwe to further develop skills and capacity in Zimbabwe”. The Minister expressed appreciation over the 54% stake taken by Essar Africa Holdings in Zimbabwe Iron & Steel Company (ZISCO); which would be the largest Indian investment in Zimbabwe.

Shri Sharma noted the possibilities in cooperation in science and technology between India and Zimbabwe, particularly in appropriate technologies in agriculture, agro-processing and renewable energy. He stated that, “Our continued interest in education and capacity building programmes in Africa and in Zimbabwe in particular, is evident in our sponsoring Zimbabweans for study programmes under the ITEC and other courses. We have increased slots from 40 in 2008-09 to 90 for 2010-11 and we hope to cross 100 in 2011-12”.

While reiterating strong and growing trade and investment relationship, Shri Sharma stated that, “Our continuing and accelerating engagement with Africa, the India-Africa Summit in April 2008 and the forthcoming India-Africa Forum Summit in May 2011, would make it more firm in terms of bilateral trade cooperation. India’s carries special interest with Zimbabwe in mining, power generation, railways, ICT and agricultural sector in Zimbabwe”. Prof Ncube while appreciating India’s role said, “Zimbabwe seeks to benefit from Indian assistance, in particular, in the health sector, e-governance, and technology”. Both the Minister underlined the importance to rejuvenate the Joint Trade Committee between India and Zimbabwe.

Mozambique Mineral Resource Minister Calls on Sriprakash Jaiswal

There are further possibilities of expanding bilateral relations between India and Mozambiue in the area of Coal mining. This came out after a meeting of the Mozambique’s Mineral Resource Minister Ms. Esperenca Bias and Union Minister of Coa Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal here today. It was agreed between the two leaders to exchange the technical knowhow and share the experiences in the areas of Coal. The Mozambique Minister was accompanied by the Ambassador of Mozambique to India Mr. Jose Maria Morais while the Senior Officers from the Coal Ministry were present during the meeting.

Rio Tinto bid for Riversdale declared unconditional

 

• Offer now unconditional
• Offer price increase to $16.50 if Rio Tinto obtains more than 47 per cent interest by 6 April 2011

Rio Tinto Jersey Holdings 2010 Limited (RTJ), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rio Tinto Group, has waived the minimum acceptance condition to its offer (Offer) for Riversdale Mining Limited (Riversdale).

As the Offer is now unconditional, Riversdale shareholders who have accepted the Offer on or before today's date will be paid the $16.00 Offer price by 5 April 2011. Riversdale shareholders who accept the Offer after today's date will be paid the Offer price within five business days of that acceptance being received.

RTJ will increase the Offer price to $16.50 per share if it obtains an interest in more than 47 per cent of Riversdale shares by 7.00pm (Sydney, Australia time) on 6 April 2011.

Riversdale shareholders who have already accepted the Offer or accept the Offer prior to RTJ obtaining a more than 47 per cent interest of Riversdale shares will still be entitled to receive $16.50 per share if RTJ subsequently obtains that interest. These shareholders will receive payment of this additional amount within five business days of RTJ obtaining a more than 47 per cent interest.

As at 9.00am (Sydney, Australia time) today, RTJ has secured an interest in 41.04 per cent of Riversdale shares on issue, including the shares the subject of Institutional Acceptance Facility (IAF) instructions, which will now be converted into actual acceptances of the Offer in accordance with the terms of the IAF. Accordingly, RTJ must obtain an interest in more than an additional 5.96 per cent of Riversdale shares for the Offer price to increase to $16.50 per share.

Rio Tinto Energy chief executive Doug Ritchie said “Riversdale’s shareholders have demonstrated great support for the Offer to date. Now that the Offer is unconditional, I would encourage those shareholders who have not yet accepted to do so as soon as possible to maximise the prospect of all shareholders receiving the increased Offer price of $16.50 per share. We look forward to moving quickly in developing Riversdale’s projects. Rio Tinto's experience in infrastructure and developing large projects, combined with our financial capacity, will be important in taking Riversdale's asset base to the next stage of development.”

BlueScope Steel Appoints New Non Executive Director

29 March 11

BlueScope Steel Chairman, Mr Graham Kraehe, today announced the appointment of Ms Penny Bingham-Hall, as a non-executive director, effective 29 March 2011.

Riversdale Mining [ASX: RIV] - Trading halt requested

Riversdale Mining (ASX: RIV) has requested a trading halt for its ordinary securities prior to commencement of trading today, pending an important announcement regarding the takeover offer from Rio Tinto.

The request followed the receipt of a letter today from Rio Tinto, a copy of which is included with the attached announcement.

The letter states that RTJ remains in discussions with one of Riversdale's major shareholders and "believes that an outcome of those discussions is likely to emerge during the course of this morning".

Mechel Announces Launch of Coking Battery #6 at Mechel-Coke

Chelyabinsk, Russia — March 28, 2011 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), a leading Russian mining and steel company, announces the launch of the reconstructed coking battery #6 at Mechel Mining OAO’s subsidiary, Mechel-Coke OOO. The launch will enable the company to step up production of coke and chemical products and ensure production demands are met as well as provide an independent supply for Mechel’s Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant OAO and Southern Urals Nickel Plant OAO. Due to the reconstruction, the battery nearly tripled its capacity to 470,000 tonnes of coke annually. The project cost 1.369 billion rubles (48.5 million US dollars*). The reconstruction involved not only the aggregate itself but also supplementary equipment. An automated workflow control system was implemented. Special attention was paid to environmental protection measures, which include an autonomous system for dustless discharge of coke with dry cleaning, a smokeless furnace loading system and pneumatic seals on ascension-pipe lids. This will enable the plant not only to increase production but also to significantly improve ecological safety. Launch of the coking battery #6 allows Mechel-Coke to begin reconstruction of the coking battery #5 while increasing production volumes by 5% in 2011 compared to the same period last year. * According to the Russian Central Bank exchange rate of 28.2237 RUR/$ as of March 28, 2011. Mechel is one of the leading Russian companies. Its business includes four segments: mining, steel, ferroalloy and power. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, nickel, steel, ferrochrome, ferrosilicon, rolled products, hardware, heat and electric power. Mechel products are marketed domestically and internationally.

Top 10 Dying Industries:  IBISWorld.com Identifies Key Sectors Set To Decline Even After The Economy Revives

 

LOS ANGELES – March 28, 2011 – Although the US economy is headed further into recovery, not every industry is performing well, according to market research firm IBISWorld.com.  The company analyzed its database of more than 700 industries and identified 10 that may be on the verge of extinction in the United States.

 

Industry	2010 Revenue (millions)	Total Revenue Decline 2000-2010	Total Forecast Revenue Decline 2010-2016
Wired Telecommunications Carriers	$154,095	-55%	-37%
Mills	$ 54,645	-50%	-10%
Newspaper Publishing	$ 40,726	-36%	-19%
Apparel Manufacturing	$ 12,800	-77%	-9%
DVD, Game & Video Rental	$ 7,839	-36%	-19%
Manufactured Home Dealers	$ 4,537	-74%	-62%
Video Postproduction Services	$  4,276	-25%	-11%
Record Stores	$ 1,803	-76%	-40%
Photofinishing	$ 1,602	-69%	-39%
Formal Wear & Costume Rental	$ 736	-35%	-15%

 

All of the 10 industries listed are in the decline stage of their life cycle, have observed a sizable contraction in both revenue and establishments from 2000 to 2010 and are expected to continue experience revenue and establishment declines through 2016. All these industries also exhibit at least one of the following detrimental factors: damaging external competition, supplanting advancements in technology and industry stagnation. Industries and companies that experience these conditions may be vulnerable to their own demise in the future.

 

Manufacturing - These sectors include: Men’s and Boys’ Apparel Manufacturing; Women’s and Girls’ Apparel Manufacturing; Costume, Uniform, Infant and Other Apparel Manufacturing; Hosiery and Sock Mills; Textile Mills; Apparel Knitting Mills; and Carpet and Rug Mills. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A‎) is a key player in all of the mill industries, while Hanesbrands (HBI) is a strong player in mill and apparel manufacturing industries.

 

Retail - Record Stores and Manufactured Home Dealers industries are highlighted in IBISWorld’s 10 dying industries. Industry exits have already occurred for many major players within the Record Stores industry, including Virgin Media (VMED) and MTS Incorporated. In the Manufactured Home Dealers industry, Berkshire Hathaway also has a presence through its subsidiary Clayton Homes (CMH), the biggest player in the industry.

 

Information - The Wired Telecommunication Carriers, Newspaper Publishing and Video Postproduction Services industries are suffering the most due to the rapid change in technology. While major players like AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ) continue to dominate the Wired Telecommunication Carriers industry, they are generating lower returns each year as consumers switch to VoIP and wireless products.

 

Other - This final category includes the industries of DVD, Game and Video Rental; Formal Wear and Costume Rental; and Photofinishing. In 2000, Blockbuster (BBI) was a thriving business and the most dominant player in the DVD, Game and Video Rental industry, but the company has since gone bankrupt. And while Eastman Kodak (EK) and Fujifilm (FUJIY) were once major and prominent companies within the Photofinishing industry, they now represent only a fragment of their presence in their heydays.

 

“Although these industries are all facing negative numbers, the operators in them aren’t necessarily on the brink of death,” explains IBISWorld senior analyst Toon van Beeck. “Firms that protect their strength in certain market segments, focus on niche opportunities and capitalize on the dwindling number of competitors can often reap the greatest rewards as sole operators, obtaining market survival and profitability.”

 

About IBISWorld.com, Inc.

Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld.com offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld.com serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide.