7 months ago
NALCO Expands into Critical Minerals
NALCO, a big Indian company that makes aluminium, is planning to get into other important minerals like rare earths, magnesium, and lithium.
These minerals are very important for things like electric cars, wind turbines, and defence systems.
NALCO is looking at mines in India and Australia to get these minerals.
They are also working on big projects to make more aluminium and improve their factories.
The company wants to make sure they have enough minerals for India's needs and to reduce dependence on other countries.
They are also focusing on making their operations better and more efficient.
NALCO is exploring mining rare earth elements (REEs), magnesium, and chromite through domestic auctions.
The company is conducting due diligence for acquiring a stake in an operational lithium mine in Australia.
NALCO plans to potentially increase its stake in KABIL, a joint venture for overseas critical mineral acquisitions, from 40% to 50%.
Key expansion projects include a fifth stream refinery and Pottangi bauxite mines, both targeted for commissioning in June 2026.
NALCO aims to maximize volumes, reduce costs, and ensure customer satisfaction in 2026 while fast-tracking expansion projects.
- Who
- NALCO, led by CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh
- What
- Expanding into critical minerals and planning significant expansion projects
- Where
- India and Australia
- When
- Current and future projects up to 2026 and beyond
- Why
- To diversify beyond bauxite and alumina, ensure domestic supply of critical minerals, and support India's clean energy transition
Key facts
- Company
- National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO)
- Chairman and Managing Director
- Brijendra Pratap Singh
- Critical Minerals of Interest
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Magnesium, Chromite, Lithium
- Lithium Mine Location
- Australia
- KABIL Stake
- 40% (potentially 50%)
- Expansion Projects
- Fifth stream refinery, Pottangi bauxite mines, 0.5 million tonne smelter, 1,080 MW power plant
- Fifth Stream Refinery Timeline
- June 2026
- Pottangi Bauxite Mines Timeline
- June 2026
Timeline
Dilip Buildcon clinches Kerala corridor, bids Pottangi mines.
Then, wins Pottangi contract, emboldening expansion.
NALCO influenced, plans bauxite mine by 2026.
In response, NALCO diversifies into critical minerals.
India's aluminium giant targets green transition.
Quotes
Brijendra Pratap Singh
Chairman and Managing Director of NALCO
“We are planning an expansion of 0.5 million tonnes and are also exploring the adoption of green power.”
thehansindia.com
“We are proposing an expansion of Rs 30,000 crore, which includes a 0.5 million tonne smelter and a 1,080 MW thermal power plant. These are the two major units we are planning.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Nalco eyes rare earths, magnesium, chromite amid critical minerals push
India pushes for easier access to European Union’s steel scrap
Aluminium sector is not yet ready for green transition: NALCO CMD
Explained: Why steel scrap is at the centre of India-EU trade talks
NALCO plans expansion, explores green power adoption towards Viksit Bharat vision: CMD
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