Established in 1972 with a single smelter for Ferro Silicon Alloys in Telangana, India, Nava has transcended its origins to emerge as a dynamic and diversified global entity. Nava has operations across India, Africa and South-East Asia.

A Cultural Tapestry Woven with Success

The cultural fabric of Nava is intricately woven with the legacy of our founders, echoing in every facet  of the organization. Their foresight, values and resilience have not only shaped our past but continue to guide our present and inspire our future successes. Nava’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence set forth by our visionary founders.

The Visionaries

Our founders laid the foundation for a legacy defined by anticipation, proactive adaptation to change, and an unwavering commitment to our distinct values. Throughout our historical journey, this spirit of constant renewal has empowered us to venture into uncharted territories, unlocking new potential across diverse industries and geographies.

Dr. D Subba Rao

Affectionately recognized as the ‘Iron man of Hyderabad,’ Dr. Rao, a luminary in the field of chemistry, earned his BSc and MSc in organic chemistry from Banaras Hindu University. His academic prowess secured him the prestigious JN Tata Endowment Scholarship, enabling him to pursue further studies at New York University, where he successfully earned his PhD in 1948.

Dr. Rao, upon returning to India, made significant contributions to various esteemed organizations, notably the Tata Group and National Chemical Laboratory – Pune, before establishing Nava in 1972. His journey from academic excellence to impactful industry involvement reflects a commitment to knowledge and innovation that continues to define his enduring legacy.

Mr. P Punnaiah

Embarking on a distinguished career, Mr. Punnaiah commenced his professional journey as an Employment Exchange Officer with the Government of India in 1947. His dedication and expertise led to a pivotal opportunity with the Government of India deputing him to the U.K. for an in-depth study of employment exchange organization practices. He subsequently assumed leadership roles in prominent manufacturing firms, such as KCP Limited and Jeypore Sugar Company Limited.

With a wealth of experience as an industrialist, Mr. Punnaiah made significant contributions to the agribusiness and manufacturing sectors. This varied experience laid the foundation for his pivotal role in the founding of Nava, where his multifaceted expertise continues to shape the company’s trajectory.

Milestones

  • 1972

    A pioneering genesis of an innovative journey.

  • 1975

    Commenced the first commercial production of Ferro Silicon Alloys at Paloncha.

  • 1980

    Diversification and Amalgamation - By amalgamating Deccan Sugar & Abkhari Co. Ltd., NBFAL expanded into production of sugar, rectified spirit, and extra neutral alcohol.

  • 1982

    Strategic Acquisition - NBFAL acquired 76% equity in the Andhra Foundry and Machine Company Ltd. (AFML), eventually leading to its full amalgamation with NBFAL in 1990.

  • 1985

    Engineering Excellence Beckons - Beardsell Engineering, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beardsell Limited, merged with NBFAL, forming its Engineering Division engaged in the supply and commissioning of bulk material and lining equipment.

  • 1989

    Pioneering Alloys Production - NBFAL commenced commercial production of manganese and chrome alloys.

  • 1991

    Diversification Continues - NBFAL diversified its product mix and forged a long-term arrangement with Tata Iron & Steel Company (TISCO) for the supply of Ferro Chrome.

  • 1996

    Expansion and Amalgamation - The amalgamation of Nav Chrome Limited expanded production capacity at Paloncha, with additional smelters and a new plant in Odisha, positioning NBFAL as one of India’s largest Ferro Alloy producers.

  • 1997

    Foray into Power Generation - NBFAL ventured into power generation to achieve self- sufficiency for its Ferro Alloy smelters.

  • 2003

    Power Plant Expansion - NBFAL commissioned a 30MW power plant in Odisha to meet its captive requirement.

  • 2004

    Global Venture - NBFAL went global by incorporating Nava Bharat (Singapore) Pte. Limited in Singapore, as an investment holding company in the segments of energy and mining.

  • 2006

    Diversification Reflected - NBFAL transformed into Nava Bharat Ventures Limited (NBVL) to accurately reflect its diversified business activities.

  • 2007

    Energy Self-Sufficiency - Two units, each with 32MW capacity were set up at Paloncha to meet our captive energy requirements, with an option to sell excess power to the State grid.

  • 2008

    Power Subsidiary - Nava Bharat Energy India Limited (NBEIL) was incorporated as a subsidiary for setting up a 150MW merchant power plant.

  • 2009

    Co-generation Power Plant - A 20MW co-generation power plant was established at Dharmavaram (AP).

  • 2010

    Mining Endeavor - Nava Bharat acquired Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL), the largest coal mining company in Zambia.

  • 2012

    Energy and Mining Milestones - MCL revamped coal mine and commissioned a 2.4MTPA coal handling and processing plant in Zambia. NBEIL also commissioned a 150MW Thermal Power Plant (Merchant).

  • 2016

    Integrated Power Plant - MCL commenced operations of an integrated 300MW coal-fired power plant in Zambia.

  • 2017

    Emerging Ventures - Nava Bharat Ventures Limited forayed into healthcare-enabled services in South-East Asia. Commenced commercial operations of an Ash products plant at Paloncha, India. Commercial operations of 300 MW power plant commenced at MCL.

  • 2020

    Technological Metamorphosis - Acquired a surface miner from Germany, Africa’s first, eliminating the need for drilling and blasting. Cessation of sugar plant operations.

  • 2021

    Widening Global Presence - NBVL set up a 100% subsidiary in Cote D’Ivoire, Nava Resources CI (NRCI), securing an exploration permit for manganese ore concessionaire over 64.7 sq.km. This strategic backward integration promises value addition. Agribusiness initiative launched in Zambia, marking the inception of the world's largest avocado plantation with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

  • 2022

    A Celebrated Legacy - Nava Bharat Ventures Limited marks 50 years of incorporation, rechristening itself as NAVA LIMITED and celebrating a rich legacy of innovation, achieving greater heights through synergy and resilience.

  • 2024

    MCL to MEL – Maamba Collieries Limited has been renamed to Maamba Energy Limited, reflecting its core business activity.