Nuclear Fuel Complex, after assessing the need to increase production of nuclear fuel and zircaloy structural components to meet the requirement of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme, decided, in 2001 to enhance zirconium sponge production by setting up a project, Zirconium Complex on a green-field site at Pazhayakayal in the port city Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.
ZC was commissioned in November 2009 to produce Zirconium Oxide and Zirconium Sponge to meet the enhanced demand. During the last 10 years, the production capacity of the Plant has been gradually increased and the rated capacity was achieved in FY2014–15.
The plant has been successively producing zirconium sponge at its rated capacity since then.
Use of zirconium and its alloys for nuclear applications requires stringent monitoring of quality of raw materials, chemicals and intermediate process streams / products. A Materials Testing Laboratory is set up for analysis of samples using state-of the art analytical instruments for process control and quality control of products.
Zirconium Complex was certified for Quality Management System as per ISO-9001:2015 by Bureau of Indian Standards on 15th May 2018.
Continuous efforts towards improvement / development of Production processes are being made for higher production, better recovery, less consumption of chemicals and reduction of effluents. With these efforts, ZC is achieving newer heights and excelling at fulfilling the mandate of the Department of Atomic Energy.
ZC has Future Plans of:
- Setting up of Magnesium Recycling Technology Development & Demonstration Facility.
- Capacity augmentation of zirconium sponge production to meet the future demand commensurate with the nuclear power programme.
- Augmentation of Zirconium Complex Township infrastructure to cater to the future requirement
- Construction of Atomic Energy Central School building in the township.
For the welfare of the employees ZC has township and other amenities such as medical centre, shopping complex etc. for employees of ZC and CISF personnel.
