The Ministry of Mines has announced that India will achieve self-sufficiency in refined copper once Adani’s Kutch Copper Refinery reaches full capacity, anticipated by February-March 2025. Until then, India will continue to import refined copper to meet domestic demand.
The refinery, which has commenced production, is expected to play a pivotal role in eliminating the country’s dependency on imports. In the last fiscal year, India imported 363,000 tonnes of refined copper cathode valued at ₹24,552 crore, with Japan contributing 69% of the supply, followed by Tanzania and Mozambique.
Currently, seven Japanese smelters have applied for BIS certification to supply copper to India, with one already certified and two more certifications expected by mid-December 2024. At present, the BIS has certified four domestic suppliers, including Adani’s Kutch Copper Ltd, Hindalco Industries Ltd, Gujarat Victory Forgings Pvt Ltd, and Vedanta Ltd, as well as four international suppliers from Japan, Austria, and Malaysia. With these certifications in place and additional approvals on the way, the Ministry does not foresee any supply constraints, paving the way for India to meet its growing copper demand independently.
Kutch Copper Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, is a prominent player in India’s growing copper industry. Established to support the nation’s increasing demand for copper, Kutch Copper is setting up a state-of-the-art copper smelter and refinery complex in Gujarat’s Kutch region.
The facility, designed to produce refined copper and value-added products, aligns with India’s vision for self-reliance in key industrial materials. Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly reduce dependence on imports, contributing to India’s manufacturing and infrastructure development. With a focus on sustainable and efficient processes, Kutch Copper aims to be a leader in environmentally responsible copper production, fostering economic growth while addressing global standards for quality and sustainability.
