Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a part of Vedanta Aluminium, has reached a significant milestone by producing the first aluminium from India’s biggest 525 kilo Ampere (kA) smelter. This achievement is a key step in BALCO’s ongoing expansion to reach a production capacity of one million tonnes per year (MTPA), setting a new standard for aluminium smelting technology in the country.
Located in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, the new 525 kA smelter surpasses the previous Indian record of 378 kA, showcasing improved scale, efficiency, and operational performance. With the launch of the new 0.435 MTPA potline, BALCO’s total aluminium output capacity will hit 1 MTPA, earning it a place among the world’s elite producers in the Million Tonne Club.
This expansion aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting self-reliance by increasing domestic supply of premium aluminium. The metal plays a crucial role in sectors like defence, aerospace, automotive, construction, and power transmission. Upon full operation, BALCO will contribute more than 20% of India’s total aluminium production, reinforcing its position as a key player in the nation’s industrial development.
Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said, “Joining the Million Tonne Club marks a new chapter in India’s journey toward industrial self-sufficiency. This growth not only raises domestic capacity but also generates jobs, supports related industries, and drives economic progress in Chhattisgarh and beyond.”
With BALCO reaching 1 MTPA capacity, Vedanta Aluminium’s overall production will rise to 2.8 MTPA, making it one of the largest aluminium producers globally and a pillar of India’s industrial independence. This milestone was achieved through strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), ABB, Siemens, and Guiyang Aluminium Magnesium Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd (GAMI), who contributed advanced engineering, automation, and efficiency solutions.
Vedanta Aluminium, a division of Vedanta Limited, produced 2.42 million tonnes of aluminium in FY25—over half of the nation’s total output. The company is a leader in downstream aluminium products and was ranked second globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the aluminium industry in 2024. Its integrated operations include aluminium smelters, an alumina refinery, and power plants located across India, supporting sustainable and future-ready metal solutions.
