Key Points
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) to set up a new 3 million tonne per annum concentrator plant in Malanjkhand, Madhya Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 400 crore.
- The project is a major step in HCL’s strategy to triple its ore production capacity by 2030-31.
- Construction is set to begin next year, with government consultancy Mecon preparing technical designs and tender documents.
- HCL also plans a similar 3 million tonne concentrator plant at Rakha mine in Jharkhand, expanding its national footprint.
- The company aims to boost total ore production from 4 million to 12.2 million tonnes per annum by 2030-31, leveraging its unique position as India’s only copper ore miner with all operational mining leases.
New Delhi: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), the country’s sole vertically integrated copper producer, is gearing up for a significant expansion at its flagship Malanjkhand mine in Madhya Pradesh. The company has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art concentrator plant with a capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), representing a substantial upgrade from the existing 2.5 MTPA facility at the site.
The new plant, with an estimated investment of Rs 400 crore, is a cornerstone of HCL’s ambitious roadmap to triple its mineral (ore) production capacity over the next five years. The company expects to commence construction in 2026, following the completion of technical designs and tender documents by government consultancy firm Mecon.
What is a Concentrator Plant and Why is it Important?
A concentrator plant is a critical part of the mining value chain. It processes raw mined ore to separate valuable copper minerals from waste rock, producing a concentrated product with a much higher copper content. This concentrate is then sent for further refining and smelting to produce pure copper metal, essential for industries ranging from power and infrastructure to electronics and renewable energy.
Funding and Project Timeline
HCL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, confirmed that the company will fund the Malanjkhand expansion through internal accruals, reflecting HCL’s robust financial health and commitment to self-sustained growth. The construction phase is scheduled to begin next year, pending finalization of technical and commercial details.
National Expansion: New Plant Planned for Jharkhand
In addition to the Malanjkhand project, HCL is also planning to establish another 3 MTPA concentrator plant at its Rakha mine in Jharkhand. This move will further strengthen the company’s presence in eastern India and support its long-term production targets. Currently, HCL operates three major plants:
- Malanjkhand Copper Plant (Madhya Pradesh)
- Ghatsila Plant (Jharkhand)
- Khetri Plant (Rajasthan)
Ambitious Growth Targets
HCL’s strategic vision is to ramp up its total ore production from the current 4 million tonnes per annum to 12.2 million tonnes per annum by 2030-31. This threefold increase is aimed at meeting the rising domestic demand for copper, reducing import dependence, and supporting India’s infrastructure and clean energy ambitions.
Table: Hindustan Copper’s Expansion Plan at a Glance
| Plant Location | Current Capacity (MTPA) | Planned Capacity (MTPA) | Investment (Rs Crore) | Construction Start | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malanjkhand, MP | 2.5 | 3.0 | 400 | 2026 | New concentrator plant |
| Rakha, Jharkhand | – | 3.0 | TBA | TBA | New project in planning phase |
| Total (all India) | 4.0 | 12.2 (by 2030-31) | – | – | Includes all operational mining leases |
The Road Ahead
With these bold investments, Hindustan Copper is poised to reinforce its leadership in India’s copper sector. The new concentrator plants will not only boost production but also create jobs, support local economies, and contribute to the nation’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals. As the only company in India with all operational mining leases for copper ore, HCL’s expansion signals a new era for the country’s mineral and metals industry.
