NALCO’s proposed Smelter Expansion at Anugola gains momentum with key approvals and partnerships in place

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is steadily progressing with its proposed brownfield Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola, Odisha, to augment its smelting capacity by 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), nearly doubling the existing capacity from 0.46 MTPA to approximately 1.0 MTPA. The project entails an approved investment of approximately ₹30,000 crore, with key statutory approvals, strategic partnerships and enabling initiatives in place to facilitate its implementation.

Recently the meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) was also held to facilitate the acquisition of requisite land for the proposed Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola and to expedite land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation issues. Further, NALCO has entered into an agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for licensing its proprietary smelting technology for the Anugola Smelter plant, ensuring adoption of globally proven and energy-efficient aluminium production processes. The proposed expansion will require an additional 1100 MW of power. To meet this requirement, NALCO has partnered with NLC India Limited to establish a 50:50 Joint Venture Company (JVC) for setting up a 4 × 270 MW (1,080 MW) captive thermal power plant. In keeping with its commitment to sustainability and cleaner energy, NALCO is also envisaging the integration of 200–250 MW of renewable energy into the project ecosystem.

The 0.5 MTPA Aluminium Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola is targeted for commissioning during 2030-31, significantly enhancing NALCO’s metal production capacity. NALCO’s expansion initiatives, including the 5th Stream Alumina Refinery Project at Damanjodi and the Smelter Expansion Project at Anugola, are being pursued with the support of the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. These projects are expected to enhance production capacity, generate employment and promote regional economic growth. NALCO remains committed to Odisha’s industrial development through sustained investment, skill development and promotion of downstream and ancillary industries.