Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has launched a strategic collaboration with Chile’s Codelco, the world’s top copper producer, to ramp up its annual mining capacity from the current 3.47 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes by 2030-31. The public sector enterprise aims to enhance its technical capabilities and fast-track production growth through this international tie-up.
As part of this initiative, a delegation of technical experts from Codelco is currently on a three-week tour of HCL’s mining and operational units across India. Their visit focuses on assessing mining practices and identifying areas for technical improvement, particularly for deep mineral exploration.
HCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Kumar Singh stated that the agreement with Codelco is geared toward strengthening technical know-how, especially in deep exploration and advanced mining practices. “This partnership is designed to bring global mining expertise to support our growth agenda, particularly at key projects like Malanjkhand,” he said.
The Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh is central to HCL’s expansion drive. Now operating as an underground mine, the site achieved its highest-ever underground ore output of 2.73 million tonnes in FY25—exceeding annual targets by 3%. The company aims to raise Malanjkhand’s capacity to 5 million tonnes annually, positioning it as the backbone of future expansion.
Mr Singh mentioned that the MoU with Codelco is currently focused on technology transfer and resource identification, but the scope could expand to include a joint venture for copper asset development in Chile, depending on mutual interest and progress.
The collaboration follows a critical performance review by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which flagged project delays, financial missteps, and poor contractor selection at HCL between 2016-17 and 2021-22. The audit highlighted cost overruns of ₹538 crore and a projected revenue loss of over ₹1,000 crore due to flawed execution of the Malanjkhand underground development.
Despite past hurdles, HCL’s renewed focus on technology-backed operations, global partnerships, and strategic scaling marks a significant step toward achieving its 2030 production goals. HCL is focused on the exploration, mining, and beneficiation of copper ore, which has allowed it to secure better profitability in the dynamic market.
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is a prominent public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, and is the nation’s only vertically integrated copper producer. Established in 1967, HCL manages activities across the copper value chain, including mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining, and the production of various copper products.
The company operates mines and plants in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. HCL plays a significant role in meeting India’s growing demand for copper, an essential metal for industries like electrical, construction, and transportation. With a strong emphasis on sustainable mining practices, resource efficiency, and exploration to expand reserves, HCL is a key player in India’s effort to achieve self-reliance in copper production and support the country’s infrastructure and industrial growth.
