Hindalco Industries‘ copper division has unveiled ambitious plans to invest ₹2,450 crore into two significant copper projects in Gujarat. One of the key components of this investment includes the establishment of an e-waste recycling facility located in Dahej. According to Rohit Pathak, the CEO of Hindalco’s copper operations, this facility is designed to process an impressive 300-350 kilotonnes of scrap and electronic waste each year.
In addition to the recycling project, recent media reports indicate that the Aditya Birla Group-owned company is also preparing to make a foray into the solar module manufacturing sector. At a recent event, Pathak shared insights about the project, stating, “We are initiating the construction of India’s first facility dedicated to copper and e-waste recycling at Dahej. In the first phase, our objective is to recover approximately 50 kilotonnes of copper, with the overall initiative aiming to achieve a recovery of 200 kilotonnes. The plant will manage the processing of 300-350 kilotonnes of scrap and e-waste on an annual basis.”
A primary goal of this innovative facility is to diminish Hindalco’s dependence on imported copper concentrates. Currently, the company imports around 1.3 million tonnes of copper concentrates to supply its smelter facility in Dahej. For the first phase of this project, Hindalco intends to allocate ₹2,000 crore, with the potential to increase this investment up to fourfold in subsequent years. The recycling plant is also expected to yield valuable byproducts, including precious metals such as silver and gold.
Pathak emphasized the company’s plans to enhance its copper smelting capacity at Dahej, which is recognized as one of the largest copper smelting complexes in the world. The expansion will involve adding 250-280 kilotonnes of additional capacity, resulting in a production increase of 50-60%. This expansion is strategically aimed at meeting the rising demand for copper within India.
Moreover, Hindalco’s copper division is set to establish a copper tube manufacturing unit in Vadodara, with an investment of ₹450 crore. This facility will specialize in producing copper tubes utilized in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Currently, the Waghodia plant has an initial capacity of 25,000 tonnes, which Hindalco plans to increase to 75,000 tonnes, necessitating an additional investment of ₹1,500 crore, as outlined by Pathak.
In addition to these initiatives, recent reports have indicated that Hindalco is also exploring the development of a solar module manufacturing plant in Gujarat. The company is presently assessing a five-year plan for this venture. While the solar module project has yet to receive board approval and finalize its capital expenditure plans, insiders suggest that this new business line would align well with Hindalco’s established strength in aluminum manufacturing, positioning the company for further growth in the renewable energy sector.
Hindalco Industries, part of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading aluminum and copper manufacturer in India. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the company focuses on innovative solutions in metal production and recycling. With a robust presence in both domestic and international markets, Hindalco aims to meet the growing demand for metals while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
