Jamshedpur: In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of mineral processing, Mr Arun Das Baijal, vice- president, raw materials and iron making, Tata Steel, was conferred the IIME Mineral Beneficiation Award 2004, by the Indian Institute of Mineral Engineers.

The governor of Orissa, MM Rajendran, presented the award at the International Seminar on Mineral Processing Technology at the Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar on February 19, 2004. Also gracing the occasion was KS Raju, controller general of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur.

Mineral beneficiation is the process of adding value to the ore so as to enrich its content and composition. Under the guidance and direction of Mr Baijal, Tata Steel has acquired mineral beneficiation processes that are at par with the best in the world.

Mr Baijal (54) graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from Punjab Engineering, Chandigarh in 1969 with honours. He joined Tata Steel in 1969 as a graduate trainee. Currently holding the post of vice president, raw materials and iron making, he has wide experience in mining and iron making including explorations, operations, planning blast furnace operations, sinter making and coke plants.