On National Technology Day 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, announced the granting of a patent for its proprietary technology enabling the extraction of high-purity graphite (>99%) from aluminium production waste. This technological advancement aligns with the theme of this year’s observance—YANTRA: Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration—by converting industrial waste into a nationally strategic resource.
The patented process has been developed by Vedanta Aluminium’s internal Research & Development division in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar. The innovation focuses on the recovery of battery-grade graphite from Spent Pot Lining (SPL) and Shot Blast Dust—waste materials generated during aluminium production. This development addresses key national priorities, including the Circular Economy, Atmanirbhar Bharat, the National Critical Minerals Mission, and India’s Net Zero objectives.
The extracted graphite exhibits superior electrical conductivity and structural integrity, making it suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries. Its atomic composition supports efficient lithiation and de-lithiation cycles, which are essential for enhancing battery performance in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Rajiv Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, stated, “With accelerating demand for electric vehicles, advanced energy storage, and precision electronics, this patented process is both timely and strategically important. It reinforces our contribution to India’s roadmap for critical minerals self-sufficiency and underscores our commitment to zero-waste manufacturing.”
In 2024, India imported approximately USD 41 million worth of natural graphite, ranking among the top three importers in the Asia-Pacific region, along with South Korea and Japan. This volume of imports highlights India’s dependence on external sources for materials critical to high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy. Vedanta Aluminium’s graphite recovery process presents a viable domestic alternative to meet these needs and reduce reliance on imports.
Vedanta Aluminium, a division of Vedanta Limited, produced 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium in FY2025, accounting for over 50% of India’s total aluminium output. The company leads in the production of high-value aluminium products used across core industries. Ranked second globally in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the aluminium sector, Vedanta Aluminium is recognized for its leadership in sustainable industrial practices. Its integrated operations—comprising aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power generation facilities—support its objective of promoting aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for sustainable industrial development.
