National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is progressing with its proposed brownfield Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola, Odisha. The project, with an approved investment of approximately ₹30,000 crore, aims to increase smelting capacity by 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), nearly doubling it to 1.0 MTPA. Key statutory approvals and strategic partnerships are in place, including an agreement for proprietary smelting technology licensing and a joint venture for a 1,080 MW captive power plant.
NALCO’s Ambitious Smelter Expansion Underway
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is making substantial progress on its proposed brownfield Smelter Expansion Project located in Anugola, Odisha. This significant initiative is designed to augment the company’s existing smelting capacity by an additional 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), effectively almost doubling its current capacity from 0.46 MTPA to approximately 1.0 MTPA. The project has an approved investment of approximately ₹30,000 crore and has secured crucial statutory approvals and strategic partnerships necessary for its implementation.
Key Approvals and Partnerships
Recent developments include a meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) to facilitate land acquisition. Furthermore, NALCO has entered into a strategic agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for the licensing of its proprietary smelting technology, ensuring the adoption of globally proven and energy-efficient production processes. To meet the projected additional power requirement of 1100 MW, NALCO has formed a 50:50 Joint Venture Company with NLC India Limited to establish a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant. The company is also exploring the integration of 200–250 MW of renewable energy.
Project Timeline and Economic Impact
The Anugola Smelter Expansion Project is targeted for commissioning during the fiscal year 2030-31. NALCO’s expansion efforts, including this project and the 5th Stream Alumina Refinery Project at Damanjodi, are supported by the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost production capacity, generate employment, and foster regional economic growth. NALCO remains committed to Odisha’s industrial development through sustained investment and skill development.
Future Growth and Self-Reliance
Notably, the commissioning of the ongoing 5th Stream Refinery is expected to yield surplus alumina even after meeting the expanded capacity needs of the Anugola Smelter. NALCO is actively exploring opportunities to set up new greenfield aluminium projects across India to convert this surplus alumina into finished aluminium, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of enhancing domestic production and promoting value addition. This strategic move reinforces NALCO’s commitment to national missions like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Source: BSE
