NALCO approves ₹30,000-crore expansion plans

### **NALCO’s ₹30,000 Crore Expansion Plan: Key Points & Technicalities** #### **1. Expansion Overview** - **Total Investment**: ₹30,000 crore (approved by NALCO board). - **Objective**: Boost aluminum production capacity, secure raw materials, and integrate sustainable practices. --- #### **2. Key Projects** 1. **5th Stream of Alumina Refinery (ଦାମନଯୋଡ଼ି, ଓଡ଼ିଶା)**: - **Capacity**: Increase alumina refining capacity from 2.1 MTPA to 3.35 MTPA. - **Cost**: ₹7,000 crore. - **Timeline**: To be completed by FY 2027–28. 2. **ଅନୁଗୋଳ Aluminum Complex Expansion**: - **New Smelter**: Add 1 MTPA aluminum smelting capacity. - **Power Plant**: 1,400 MW captive power plant to support energy needs. - **Cost**: ₹15,000 crore (part of total ₹30,000 crore). 3. **Bauxite Mining Expansion**: - **ଉତ୍କଳ D & E Coal Blocks**: Develop new mines to secure raw material supply. - **ପଟ୍ଟାଙ୍ଗି Bauxite Mines**: Operationalize to feed expanded alumina refinery. 4. **Downstream Products**: - **Aluminum Alloy Plant**: Produce value-added products for aerospace and automotive sectors. --- #### **3. Sustainability Initiatives** - **Renewable Energy Integration**: - 1 GW solar/wind energy capacity to reduce carbon footprint. - Aim to meet 30% of energy needs via renewables by 2030. - **Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)**: Implement in refineries to minimize environmental impact. --- #### **4. Employment & Economic Impact** - **Jobs Created**: ~10,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations. - **Boost to Odisha’s Economy**: Strengthen regional industrial growth and infrastructure. --- #### **5. Strategic Partnerships** - **Technology Collaborations**: Partner with global firms for advanced smelting tech. - **MoUs**: Signed with state governments for land and logistics support. --- #### **6. Timeline & Approvals** - **Phased Implementation**: - Refinery expansion (2027–28). - Smelter and power plant (2030). - **Regulatory Clearances**: - Environmental approvals secured for ଉତ୍କଳ D & E coal blocks. - Forest clearances for ପଟ୍ଟାଙ୍ଗି mines in progress. --- #### **7. Market Implications** - **Production Targets**: - **Alumina**: 3.35 MTPA (from 2.1 MTPA). - **Aluminum**: 1 MTPA (additional). - **Export Potential**: Reduce India’s import reliance; target 20% export growth by 2030. --- #### **8. Challenges** - **Raw Material Security**: Dependence on timely mine development. - **Logistics**: Infrastructure upgrades needed for bauxite transport. - **Global Competition**: Price volatility in aluminum markets. --- Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/nalco-finalises-30000-crore-expansion-plans/article69230348.ece https://www.newsonprojects.com/news/nalco-approves-30000-crore-expansion-plan