RHI Magnesita and Khemka Refractories Launch MINPRO to Drive Refractory Recycling in India
RHI Magnesita India Ltd. has announced the successful completion of its joint venture with Khemka Refractories Pvt. Ltd., officially launching MINPRO, a new company dedicated to refractory recycling and circular mineral solutions in India. The initiative marks a significant step toward improving resource efficiency, strengthening supply chains, and supporting sustainable industrial growth in the country’s rapidly expanding steel and manufacturing sectors.
The announcement was made on August 4, 2026, following the completion of the previously announced joint venture.
MINPRO to Focus on Circular Mineral Solutions
MINPRO has been established as a specialized refractory recycling business that combines RHI Magnesita’s global expertise in refractory recycling with Khemka Refractories’ regional manufacturing capabilities, operational experience, and extensive customer network.
The new venture will focus on recovering, processing, and reusing spent refractory materials, creating a reliable domestic supply of high-quality circular minerals for refractory manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Headquartered in Odisha, India’s largest steel-producing region, MINPRO aims to build a state-of-the-art recycling platform capable of supporting industries that rely on high-temperature manufacturing processes.
Experienced Leadership to Drive Growth
MINPRO will be led by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharjee as Chief Executive Officer.
With nearly three decades of experience in the refractory industry and more than 20 years at RHI Magnesita, Bhattacharjee has held several leadership roles across technical, marketing, and sales functions. Most recently, he served as the company’s Head of Sales – Steel India.
His leadership will focus on establishing an integrated recycling ecosystem that enhances the recovery and reuse of valuable refractory materials across India.
Supporting Sustainability and Supply Chain Resilience
The company believes that creating an integrated recycling supply chain will provide multiple benefits for industrial customers, including:
- Increased availability of recycled, high-value circular minerals
- Improved resource efficiency
- Stronger domestic supply chain resilience
- Reduced dependence on virgin raw materials
- Lower environmental impact for high-temperature industries
The recycled materials will serve not only refractory manufacturers but also several other industrial applications where high-quality mineral resources are required.
Management Highlights Long-Term Vision
Commenting on the launch, Pankaj Malhan, Managing Director & CEO of RHI Magnesita India Ltd. and Regional President – India, said the formation of MINPRO represents an important milestone in the company’s strategy to advance circularity across India and the broader region.
According to him, combining RHI Magnesita’s global recycling capabilities with Khemka Refractories’ local expertise will create a trusted platform capable of delivering high-quality circular raw materials while improving supply security for customers. He added that the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to innovative and sustainable industrial solutions.
Khemka Refractories Sees Strong Growth Potential
Alok Khemka, Director of Khemka Refractories, said the partnership brings together complementary strengths that position MINPRO to become one of India’s leading refractory recycling platforms.
He noted that advanced recycling technologies combined with deep local market knowledge will help transform refractory recycling in India while contributing to a more circular and resource-efficient industrial ecosystem.
Why MINPRO Matters
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing refractory markets, driven by expanding steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, glass, and infrastructure industries.
By recycling spent refractory materials instead of relying solely on newly mined minerals, MINPRO is expected to:
- Reduce industrial waste
- Promote circular economy practices
- Improve sustainability across heavy industries
- Enhance availability of recycled raw materials
- Support India’s manufacturing and steel sectors with environmentally responsible solutions
About RHI Magnesita India
RHI Magnesita India is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of refractory products, systems, and solutions used in industrial processes exceeding 1,200°C. The company serves industries including steel, iron, cement, glass, and non-ferrous metals through its extensive manufacturing network, mines, R&D facilities, and nationwide service infrastructure.