State-owned Hindustan Copper Ltd is actively pursuing expansion initiatives aimed at enhancing its mining production capacity to an impressive 12.2 million tonnes per annum. This strategic move, as stated by Chairman and Managing Director Ghanshyam Sharma on Thursday, is designed to significantly bolster domestic copper production while also reducing reliance on imports, thereby strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in this crucial metal.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Hindustan Copper reported an ore production of 3.78 million tonnes, a notable increase from 3.35 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a robust growth of 13%. During the 57th Annual General Meeting, Sharma, who is currently fulfilling the dual role of CMD, highlighted the ongoing capacity expansion project at the Malanjkhand Copper Project.
This project involves the development of an underground mine situated beneath the existing open-cast mine, with plans to increase ore production capacity from 2.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 5 MTPA. The open-cast mine’s ore production has reached its limit, leading to the operation of the underground mine just below it, with certain barrier pillars still in place.
The transition from open-cast mining to underground operations has been executed smoothly, with the Malanjkhand Underground Mine ramping up its ore production to 2.248 million tonnes in the current fiscal year. This figure represents a remarkable increase of approximately 60.8% compared to the previous fiscal year, showcasing the effectiveness of the company’s strategic initiatives.
Furthermore, Hindustan Copper is planning expansions at its Khetri and Kolihan mines in Rajasthan, aiming to elevate the ore production capacity from its current level to 3 MTPA. In addition, the proposed expansion of the Surda Mine located in Jharkhand will enhance its production capacity from 0.4 MTPA to 0.9 MTPA.
Hindustan Copper Ltd., operating under the Ministry of Mines, is the sole integrated producer of refined copper in India. The company engages in the mining of copper ore and possesses all active mining leases for copper in the country. Hindustan Copper not only extracts copper ore but also processes it into refined copper, ensuring a continuous and efficient supply chain from mining to production.
With its commitment to enhancing production capacity and reducing dependency on imports, Hindustan Copper Ltd. is positioning itself as a key player in the global copper market, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth and self-reliance in essential minerals.
