RHI Magnesita has announced a strategic joint venture with Khemka Refractories Pvt Ltd to establish an advanced refractory recycling facility in Odisha, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s circular economy and sustainable industrial manufacturing ecosystem. The partnership brings together RHI Magnesita’s global expertise in refractory recycling and processing with Khemka Refractories’ strong manufacturing base, regional presence, and extensive supplier network. The proposed greenfield facility will recover, process, and recycle spent refractory materials, creating a dependable source of high-value secondary raw materials for the refractory industry and other industrial applications.
Located close to India’s major steel manufacturing hubs, the new plant is expected to serve growing customer demand for environmentally responsible solutions while improving supply chain efficiency and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials. The integrated recycling platform will also support industrial customers seeking sustainable resource management and lower-carbon manufacturing practices.
The initiative aligns with the increasing adoption of circular economy principles across India’s industrial sector. By extending the lifecycle of refractory materials and promoting material recovery, the facility aims to improve resource efficiency, minimise industrial waste, and contribute to lower carbon emissions throughout the manufacturing value chain.
Commenting on the development, Parmod Sagar, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of RHI Magnesita India Ltd, said, “India continues to emerge as one of the world’s fastest-growing industrial markets, creating significant opportunities for sustainable manufacturing solutions. This joint venture reflects our long-term commitment to building a modern recycling ecosystem that combines advanced processing technology with operational excellence. By creating a closed-loop material cycle, we can enhance resource availability, strengthen supply security, and deliver greater value to customers while supporting environmental sustainability.”
Alok Khemka, Director of Khemka Refractories Pvt. Ltd, said the collaboration represents an important milestone for the domestic refractory industry. He noted that Odisha’s strategic location, strong industrial base, and well-established supply network provide an ideal platform for developing a large-scale recycling operation capable of supporting future industry requirements.
The facility is expected to play a key role in enhancing the availability of recycled refractory materials, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting India’s expanding steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, glass, and other high-temperature process industries.Under the agreement, RHI Magnesita will hold a 51 percent equity stake in the joint venture, while Khemka Refractories will own the remaining 49 percent. The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
The partnership reinforces both companies’ commitment to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices while creating a scalable recycling ecosystem capable of supporting India’s long-term industrial growth and decarbonisation objectives. RHI Magnesita India Ltd is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium refractory products, systems, and solutions that are essential for high-temperature industrial processes exceeding 1,200°C. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including steel, iron, cement, non-ferrous metals, and glass.
Its extensive product portfolio includes magnesia- and alumina-based bricks and mixes for large industrial applications, as well as specialized refractory solutions such as isostatic products and slide gates. Supported by a skilled workforce of over 6,000 employees, RHI Magnesita India operates 8 advanced manufacturing plants, 2 mines, 2 processing units, 3 regional offices, and 35 site offices across the country. The company also houses a world-class R&D centre in Bhiwadi, enabling continuous innovation and technical excellence.
Khemka Refractories Pvt Ltd.(KRPL) is a reputed manufacturer of refractory products, engaged in refractory manufacturing, raw material trading, and secondary raw material processing. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting its commitment to quality and operational excellence.
KRPL caters to a broad spectrum of industries, including steelmaking, ironmaking, foundries, power generation, copper, aluminium, cement, and ferro-alloy manufacturing. The company operates four manufacturing facilities and a dedicated R&D centre in Odisha, India, enabling it to deliver high-quality refractory solutions tailored to diverse industrial requirements.
