National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) has set the goal to set up and open bauxite mines at the Pottangi constituency in Odisha by June 2026. The objective is to expand its aluminium production by increasing its mining scope and capacities.
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State-owned NALCO is a Navaratna public sector company under the Ministry of Mines and is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of alumina and aluminium in the country. It is attempting to improve its alumina production capacity at the Damanjodi refinery in the Koraput district, Odisha. The company operates a 2.28 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery at the site. It is currently working on installing a 5th stream to add an additional capacity of 1 MTPA.
Regarding the Pottangi site in Odisha, NALCO CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh stated, “...our target is June next year, we will be starting the mines.” Dilip Buildcon Ltd. was the L-1 bidder for the Pottangi mining operations and development.
The government of Odisha has supported this expansion, granting a mining lease covering 697.979 hectares to NALCO for the Pottangi Bauxite Deposit in Koraput district. The lease is to remain active for 50 years, which will ensure a steady supply of raw materials and in turn, a greater alumina production.
Moreover, the CMD ensured that alternate bauxite sourcing will be done to avoid any bauxite shortage due to the refinery expansion, its opening or possible delay by a few months. He elaborated, “Already, we have a separate project where alternate sourcing of bauxite is there. We are making a parallel conveyor downhill from our existing mines, perforated mines, which will have a capacity of around 30 lakh tons per year. So, that will get commissioned in April-May next year.”
The mining expansion is expected to improve the position of NALCO in the aluminium industry, helping the company strengthen the aluminium business and attain leadership in the sector.
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