Copper King Rises: HCL's Ambitious ₹2,000 Cr Mining Expansion

Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), a state-owned copper producer, plans to invest approximately ₹2,000 crore over the next five to six years to expand its core mining operations. The majority of this capital expenditure—around ₹1,400–1,500 crore—will be directed toward the Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP) in Madhya Pradesh. The remaining funds will support capacity expansion initiatives at Khetri in Rajasthan and the Indian Copper Complex (ICC) in Jharkhand.

This investment plan excludes the revival of the Rakha and Chapri mines in Jharkhand, which are being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A JSW Group company, acting as the mine developer and operator (MDO), will invest roughly ₹2,600 crore in these assets, including the construction of a new concentrator plant.

The MCP expansion will involve the development of new underground infrastructure, a paste-fill plant, and a modern concentrator facility. At Khetri and ICC, the focus will be on increasing production capacity. Overall, HCL aims to triple its ore output from the current 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 12.2 MTPA by FY31.

Additionally, the company is exploring partnerships and growth opportunities, including a collaboration with Chile’s CODELCO and participation in upcoming mineral auctions to secure new deposits.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.