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Aditya Birla Groups Hindalco Industries and Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel are vying for two copper mines in Jharkhand, which are set to go up for auction this month, according to industry sources. The two mines, owned by state-run Hindustan Copper Ltd, have a combined capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum.
One of the mines is a virgin block, while the other has been closed for the past 20 years. The auction, expected to take place in October, marks a significant step in boosting domestic copper production and reducing India’s reliance on imports.
Hindustan Copper had earlier invited applications for the role of mine developer-cum-operator (MDO) to reopen and expand the Rakha Copper Mine, and to develop and operate an underground mine at Chapri. The Rakha mining lease, which expired in 2021, is in the process of being extended by the Jharkhand government. Additionally, the application for stage one forest clearance has been accepted, with site inspections by the State Forest Department already completed.
Hindustan Copper is focused on expanding its production capacity to 12.2 million tonnes per annum. In FY24, the company recorded ore production of 3.78 million tonnes, a 13% increase from 3.35 million tonnes in FY23. The ongoing expansion at the Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP), where an underground mine is being developed beneath an exhausted open-cast mine, will further boost capacity from 2.5 MTPA to 5 MTPA.
As India’s only integrated copper producer, Hindustan Copper plays a crucial role in the mining and production of refined copper under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines. This auction is expected to attract significant attention as the company aims to enhance its output in line with growing domestic demand. |
