National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a prominent Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is advancing its ambitious brownfield Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola, Odisha. The project aims to nearly double the company’s smelting capacity from 0.46 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to approximately 1.0 MTPA, with an investment of around ₹30,000 crore. The expansion has received key statutory approvals and strategic partnerships, marking significant progress in its implementation.
A recent meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) was convened to address land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation issues for the expansion. In a strategic move, NALCO has partnered with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to license its proprietary smelting technology, ensuring the adoption of globally recognised, energy-efficient aluminium production processes at the Anugola Smelter plant. The project will require an additional 1100 MW of power, prompting NALCO to collaborate with NLC India Limited to establish a 50:50 Joint Venture Company for a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant. Furthermore, NALCO plans to integrate 200–250 MW of renewable energy into the project, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
The Anugola Smelter Expansion Project is slated for commissioning during 2030-31, significantly boosting NALCO’s metal production capacity. This expansion, along with the 5th Stream Alumina Refinery Project at Damanjodi, is supported by the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Mines. These initiatives are expected to enhance production capacity, generate employment, and foster regional economic growth. NALCO is dedicated to Odisha’s industrial development through sustained investment, skill development, and the promotion of downstream industries.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, NALCO is exploring the establishment of a new 0.5 MTPA Greenfield aluminium smelter in India. This initiative aims to convert surplus alumina into finished aluminium, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of enhancing domestic aluminium production and promoting value addition. This strategic move reinforces NALCO’s commitment to the national missions of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, supporting the growth and competitiveness of India’s aluminium industry. Analysts view these developments as a positive step towards strengthening NALCO’s market position and contributing to the country’s economic resilience.
