RT team
India is set to fortify its metal production capabilities with the construction of the world’s largest single-location copper manufacturing plant by the Adani Group. Kutch Copper Ltd (KCL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), is spearheading this ambitious project in Mundra, Gujarat, with a staggering investment of $1.2 billion.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of bolstering self-reliance and reducing the nation’s dependence on copper imports. Expected to commence operations in March, the facility will have a full-scale production capacity of 1 million tonnes by March 2029.
Copper holds paramount importance in the global transition away from fossil fuels, playing a pivotal role in technologies crucial for this shift, such as electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, solar photovoltaics, wind energy, and batteries. As the demand for copper intensifies, driven by the burgeoning renewable energy, telecom, and electric vehicle industries, India aims to strengthen its position in copper production.
India’s per capita copper consumption, estimated at 0.6 kg, pales in comparison to the global average of 3.2 kg. The Adani Group envisions becoming a global leader in the copper business, leveraging its robust position in resource trading, logistics, renewable power, and infrastructure. By 2030, the group aspires to establish the world’s largest copper smelting complex.
The plant will produce valuable byproducts such as gold, silver, selenium, and platinum, along with sulphuric acid, a key raw material for various industries. In the first phase, the plant aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of refined copper annually, and during the subsequent expansion, this capacity will reach 1 million tonnes per annum.
India’s copper production has struggled to meet escalating demand, resulting in a substantial reliance on imported copper. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India imported a record 181,000 tonnes of copper, emphasizing the urgent need for increased domestic production.
The Kutch Copper plant is anticipated to be one of the most efficient copper smelters in India, with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Adani is prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the project’s design, aiming for zero liquid discharge and exploring sustainable solutions, such as using green power and repurposing byproducts.
The plant’s strategic location on the west coast provides Adani with a competitive advantage in catering to both domestic and international markets seamlessly. The copper complex’s construction for Phase I is in its advanced stages, with operational readiness expected in 2024.
This colossal investment by the Adani Group reflects India’s commitment to advancing in the global copper market and fostering sustainable practices. As the plant contributes to the country’s economic and industrial landscape, it underlines the importance of strategic initiatives in achieving self-reliance and fulfilling the growing demand for essential metals in the era of green technologies.
