Government today asserted that aluminium resources need to be exploited keeping in view the long term national goals and perspectives. Inaugurating a seminar in New Delhi today, the Minister of Mines B K Handique said aluminum is the most versatile and sustainable material for our economy. He said the metal has to be integrated into the overall strategy of the country's economic development. He elaborated that assured availability of minerals and metals will play an important role in giving a competitive edge to the Aluminium industry. He said that production of aluminium industry is very low in the country at 1,318 millions in comparison to world production of 40 million tonnes with a very low capita consumption of 1.3 kg. He said that all the major producers are expanding their capacity in metal production and target of capacity of 5 million tonnes production by 2015 will be achieved. He said that Aluminium is finding wide application in the infrastructure, construction and transportation sector and as a industry holds a strategic economic importance for the country.