Archive · 22 Jan 2026
India Faces Copper Dependency Amid Rising Global Demand
Copper is a very important metal used in many things like electric cars, computers, and power lines.
Right now, the world needs more copper than ever before, and the price is going up.
India used to make a lot of its own copper but now has to import most of it.
This is a problem because other countries, like China, control a lot of the copper production.
India needs to start making more copper at home to meet its growing needs.
One way to do this is by reopening a big copper plant called Sterlite Copper, but this time using new technology that is better for the environment.
This could help India become more self-sufficient and strong in the future.
Global copper demand is rising, with prices crossing $13,000 per ton due to supply concerns and increased usage in modern technologies.
India's copper demand increased by 9.3% in FY25, reaching 1,878 kilotonnes, driven by infrastructure growth and electricity consumption.
India imports over 40% of its copper demand, making it vulnerable in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
China dominates global copper refining with 70% of the world's capacity, while India faces a projected shortage and rising future demand.
Reopening the Sterlite Copper plant under the Green Copper framework could boost India's copper production and address environmental concerns.
- Who
- India, China, Global Economies
- What
- Rising demand and dependency on copper
- When
- Present and projected into the future (2026, 2030)
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on India and China
- Why
- Copper is essential for modern economies, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure
- Global Copper Demand
- Rising steadily, prices crossed $13,000 per ton
- India's Copper Demand
- 9.3% increase in FY25, reaching 1,878 kilotonnes
- China's Copper Refining Capacity
- 70% of the world's capacity
- India's Copper Imports
- Over 40% of demand
- Projected Copper Shortage
- Over 100,000 tonnes by 2026
- India's Future Demand
- 3–3.3 million tonnes by 2030
- Sterlite Copper Plant
- Accounted for 36% of India's refined copper output before closure in 2018
- Green Copper Framework
- 70% primary, 30% recycled production with 100% water recycling and emission controls