Adani's $1.2 Billion Copper Giant Redefines Manufacturing

Adani Group is pioneering the development of the largest single-location copper manufacturing facility in Mundra, Gujarat. This state-of-the-art USD 1.2-billion plant is set to initiate its first-phase operations by March-end, with full-scale production reaching a remarkable one million tonne capacity by the fiscal year ending March 2029.

Nestled strategically in Kutch, this copper plant is designed to yield copper cathodes and rods, accompanied by coveted byproducts such as gold, silver, selenium, and platinum. The integrated complex will also be a major producer of sulphuric acid, a critical raw material for a spectrum of industries including phosphatic fertilisers, detergents, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, paper and sugar bleaching, and water treatment. Notably, India presently imports approximately two million tonnes of sulphuric acid.

The advanced construction of the copper complex's Phase-I indicates its operational readiness in 2024. Branded as Kutch Copper, this facility is poised to be one of India's most efficient copper smelters, boasting lower greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond meeting domestic demand, the plant aims to contribute to India's energy transition, reducing the nation's dependence on copper imports.

Securing financial closure through a syndicated club loan in June 2022 for Phase-I with a capacity of 0.5 million tpa, Kutch Copper is set to produce 500,000 tonnes of refined copper annually in the initial phase. The byproducts include approximately 25 tonnes of gold, 250 tonnes of silver, 1.5 million tonnes of sulphuric acid, and 250,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid. A subsequent Phase-II expansion is planned to double the refined copper capacity to one million tpa.

A subsidiary of Adani Enterprises (AEL), Kutch Copper (KCL) is leading this greenfield copper refinery project, aiming to be a global leader in the copper business by 2030. Leveraging the Adani Group's prowess in resource logistics, renewable power, and infrastructure, the venture aspires to become the largest copper smelting complex.

In line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, Kutch Copper is securing long-term supply agreements for copper concentrate, ensuring a sustainable and low-cost operation. The plant's design emphasizes a zero-liquid discharge solution, exploring the use of green power and the deployment of byproducts in sectors such as cement and others, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.

News by Rahul Yelligetti