What is NALCO's Rs 30,000-crore expansion plan?

Bhubaneswar, Aug 19 (NationPress) National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has outlined an ambitious three-phase plan aimed at enhancing production, operational efficiency, and value addition, involving an estimated investment of approximately Rs 30,000 crore.

During a press conference, NALCO's Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Bijendra Pratap Singh expressed the company’s dedication to fortifying its operational framework and increasing capacities to satisfy the rising domestic and international demand for aluminium.

“Our strategy is crafted with a distinct vision—spanning short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives. In the short term, we aim to enhance efficiency across our existing mines, refinery, and smelter while lowering costs, minimizing carbon emissions, and boosting workforce productivity,” Singh stated.

He further mentioned that in the medium term, NALCO plans to introduce additional value-added products such as wire rods, foils, special-grade alumina, and fused alumina, which are expected to be launched over the next two to three years.

“For the long-term, we are set to nearly double our smelter capacity from 4.6 lakh tonnes to approximately 9.5–10 lakh tonnes by 2030, in conjunction with the establishment of a new power plant,” Singh highlighted.

As per the NALCO CMD, the investment blueprint comprises Rs 18,000–20,000 crore dedicated to smelter expansion and Rs 11,000–12,000 crore earmarked for the power facility.

Singh noted that while India's robust domestic aluminium demand limits export surplus, NALCO is actively seeking new opportunities.

“We are already serving the US market. With the impending UK-India trade agreement, we are eager to penetrate the UK market, specifically targeting manufacturers of electric vehicles and solar panels,” he remarked.

Regarding technology collaborations, Singh mentioned that the company is assessing global suppliers through a tendering process.

“There are only four or five leading smelter technology providers globally. Initially, we favored an existing supplier, but due to time and resource considerations, we are now inviting top technology partners, including two from China - GAMI and EGA,” he explained.

The CMD also briefly discussed global trade challenges, including tariff impacts, concluding the session by emphasizing ongoing talks and negotiations.

During the media interaction in Bhubaneswar, Singh pointed out that NALCO’s mines, refinery, and smelter units are currently operating at over 100 percent of their rated capacity.

He also disclosed that in Q1 of FY 2025-26, the company recorded revenues of around Rs 3,900 crore and profits exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, representing one of its best first-quarter performances in two decades.

Alumina production and sales surged by nearly 50 percent year-on-year, while aluminium output and sales have also demonstrated consistent growth.