Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, officially inaugurated the resumption of operations at Hindustan Copper Limited’s (HCL) Surda Mine. The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Ramdas Soren, the Minister of Water Resources Department, Higher Education, and Technical Education for the Government of Jharkhand.
Bidyut Varan Mahato, the Member of Parliament representing Jamshedpur; and Ghanshyam Sharma, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HCL. Also present were Vivek Kumar Bajpai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, along with various senior officials from both the Central and State Government.
In his address during the inauguration, Satish Chandra Dubey emphasized that the revival of the Surda Mine operations is a pivotal move towards achieving self-reliance in copper production for the nation. He highlighted the various positive impacts this operation will have, including the creation of job opportunities, revitalization of the local economy, and an anticipated revenue generation of approximately Rs 100 crore annually.
HCL has ambitious plans to enhance the mining capacity at the Surda site from its current production level of 0.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to an impressive 0.9 mtpa over the next seven years. This strategic increase is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for copper, which is vital for various sectors, including construction, electrical, and renewable energy.
Furthermore, the Jharkhand Cabinet has recently granted approval for lease extensions for both the Kendadih and Rakha mines, which are also on track for reopening later this year. The resumption of these operations is projected to provide a substantial boost to local employment, with an estimated 2,000 direct jobs and around 10,000 indirect jobs expected to be created for the local population.
This move is also poised to triple the production capacity of the Indian Copper Complex, thereby reinforcing the country’s position in the global copper market. Ghanshyam Sharma, CMD of Hindustan Copper Ltd, stated that the reopening of the Surda Mine will directly employ about 1,100 individuals and generate indirect employment for approximately 5,000 people within the local community.
He further noted that the resumption of operations will enhance HCL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and welfare programs in the neighboring villages, thereby contributing positively to the community’s development and well-being.
In a notable commitment to furthering the mine’s operational capabilities, Hindustan Copper Ltd plans to invest a significant capital of Rs 50 crore in the mining operations during the fiscal year 2024-25. This investment underscores HCL’s dedication to not only advancing its mining activities but also supporting the local economy and community development initiatives.
Overall, the inauguration of Surda Mine operations represents a progressive step toward bolstering India’s copper production and fostering economic growth in Jharkhand, ultimately benefiting countless individuals and families in the region.
