Adani Enterprises launches first copper refinery unit in Mundra, marks entry into metal industry

In a significant development that marks its foray into the metal industry, Kutch Copper, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, has commissioned the first unit of its greenfield copper refinery project at Mundra, dispatching the maiden batch of cathodes to customers. This initiative signifies the Adani Portfolio’s entry into the metal sector, demonstrating the conglomerate’s prowess in planning and executing large-scale projects with a keen eye on sustainable development and self-reliance, or “aatmanirbhar,” future for India.

Adani Enterprises is channeling close to $1.2 billion into setting up a copper smelter with a capacity of 0.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in the project’s first phase. Upon the completion of the second phase, which will mirror the first in capacity, Kutch Copper is poised to become the world’s largest single-location custom smelter. With a total capacity of 1 MTPA, it aims to set benchmarks in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance standards, leveraging cutting-edge technology and digitalization. This monumental project is expected to generate 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities, underscoring the Adani Group’s commitment to contributing to India’s economic growth and job creation.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “With Kutch Copper commencing operations, the Adani portfolio of companies is not only entering the metals sector but also driving India’s leap towards a sustainable and aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) future. Our speed of execution in this ambitious, super-sized project underscores our commitment to take India to the forefront of the global copper sector. We believe the domestic copper industry will play a crucial role in achieving our nation’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2070 by strengthening our green infrastructure hand in hand with mature environmental stewardship. When commissioned, our modern smelter will set new benchmarks in copper production, with an enhanced thrust on innovative green technology.”

The demand for copper is anticipated to soar, driven by the global shift towards renewable energy, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and the development of power transmission and distribution networks. In line with this demand, Kutch Copper is also advancing its forward integration strategy by establishing Kutch Copper Tubes Limited, aiming to enrich its product portfolio with copper tubes designed for applications in air conditioning and refrigeration.

Kutch Copper’s refinery project stands out for its environmental considerations, employing technology engineered to minimize carbon footprint. The project dedicates a third of its area to green belt space and allocates 15% of its capital to environmental protection measures. Notably, the plant operates on a zero-liquid discharge model, utilizing desalinated water for its operations and recycling treated wastewater, thereby significantly reducing its ecological impact.

The inauguration of Kutch Copper’s refinery unit by Adani Enterprises Limited in Mundra is a landmark event that significantly contributes to India’s metal industry and its sustainable development goals. This project not only underscores the Adani Group’s adeptness at executing large-scale, technologically advanced projects but also its commitment to environmental stewardship and the promotion of green technologies. As India strides towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, initiatives like Kutch Copper play a pivotal role in supporting the country’s green infrastructure development, while simultaneously bolstering the economy through job creation and technological advancement. This holistic approach to sustainable metal production sets a new standard for the industry, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability.