NALCO marks ₹300b Angul aluminium smelter progress with 1 MTPA ramp-up approval

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is advancing its INR 30,000 crore or INR 300 billion (USD 3.18 billion) aluminium smelter expansion project at Anugola or Angul, Odisha, which is expected to more than double its existing smelting capacity from 460,000 tonnes per annum to approximately 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Mines has secured key statutory approvals and initiated partnerships and preparatory measures for the project, which is targeted to begin operations in 2030-31.

A recent meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) focused on facilitating land acquisition for the proposed facility and addressing associated compensation and rehabilitation matters.

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A key component of the expansion is NALCO’s agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to adopt its proprietary smelting technology at the Angul facility. The technology transfer is expected to support the use of globally recognised, energy-efficient aluminium production processes.

The expanded facility will require an additional 1,100 MW of power. To address this requirement, NALCO has partnered with NLC India Limited to establish a 50:50 joint venture company. The venture will set up a 4 × 270 MW captive thermal power plant, with a total capacity of 1,080 MW.

Alongside the thermal power arrangement, NALCO is considering the integration of 200–250 MW of renewable energy into the project as part of its sustainability plans.

Refinery expansion and greenfield ambitions

The Angul smelter project is being supported by the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Mines, alongside NALCO’s ongoing 5th Stream Alumina Refinery Project at Damanjodi. The projects are expected to collectively improve production capacity, generate employment, thereby reinforcing regional economic development.

NALCO also aims to contribute to Odisha’s industrial growth through sustained investment, skill development and the expansion of downstream and auxiliary industries. Once commissioned, the 5th Stream Refinery is expected to generate surplus alumina, which will initially be directed towards exports.

Apart from the Angul venture, NALCO is exploring opportunities to establish new greenfield aluminium facilities across India. One proposal under consideration is a 500,000 TPA greenfield smelter that could convert surplus alumina into finished aluminium products.

The proposed initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, with a focus on strengthening domestic aluminium production and increasing value addition within the country.

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