Hindalco gets environmental nod for Rs 240 crore expansion plan

Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco Industries has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment for the proposed expansion of its mega copper smelting and refining complex at Dahej and Lakhigam villages in Bharuch district of Gujarat. The company had proposed to almost double the capacity of CCR from 2.44 lakh tonnes per annum to 4.84 lakh tonnes per annum through brownfield expansion at an estimated cost of Rs 240 crore.

The Ministry of Environment granted environmental clearance to the company after considering the application of expansion on commendation of the expert appraisal committee. The clearance was granted bound by certain conditions. The company has been asked to install a 24x7 automatic air monitoring devices to keep an eye on air emission, reduce sulphur dioxide emission by upgrading existing scrubbers within a year and to prepare a statement of carbon budgeting in six months and later annually. The commission has also asked the company to ensure proper utilisation of fly ash, develop a green belt in 33% of the plant area and spend 2.5% of the total project cost towards enterprise social commitment.

Hindalco Industries is a major producer of aluminium and copper products. Its product mix includes, standard and specialty grade alumina and hydrates, aluminium ingots, billets, wire rods, flat rolled products, extrusions and foil.