Copper Miner Sets 12.2 Million-Tonne Capacity Goal Through Expansions and Mine Restarts

Hindustan Copper Limited is targeting an increase in ore-mining capacity to 12.2 million tonnes per annum by FY2030-31, from around 4 million tonnes currently, through a combination of mine expansion, underground development, restarts of dormant operations and processing improvements.

The capacity programme is centred on underground expansion at the Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh and capacity enhancement at the Khetri Copper Complex in Rajasthan. The company is also pursuing the restart and expansion of the Surda, Kendadih and Rakha mines in Jharkhand.

The plan places mine development at the centre of Hindustan Copper’s operating strategy. Its principal mined product is copper concentrate, also referred to as metal-in-concentrate, or MIC. The company’s concentrate grades range between 17 per cent and 26 per cent, and the output is mainly consumed by domestic primary copper producers for SMElting and refining.

Hindustan Copper’s stated initiatives also include automation, exploration-led additions to mineral resources, beneficiation upgrades and technical collaboration with Chilean copper producer CODELCO. The measures cover both mining and processing capabilities as the company seeks to expand the volume of ore handled across its operating areas.

Malanjkhand, Khetri and the Indian Copper Complex form the core of the company’s mining and concentrator operations. The expansion programme combines growth at existing assets with the proposed revival of mines in Jharkhand, where Surda, Kendadih and Rakha are part of the planned capacity build-out.

The company has one reportable operating segment: mining and processing of copper ore into MIC. The segment includes exploration, mine development, extraction and beneficiation activities, while no separate revenue contribution is disclosed for its smelting, refining or wire-rod conversion activities.

Hindustan Copper’s downstream facilities include cathode-producing operations at the Indian Copper Complex and Gujarat Copper Project. The Gujarat unit is currently not operating. Its Taloja facility produces continuous-cast copper wire rod through third-party tolling, with products available in 8 mm, 11 mm, 12.5 mm, 16 mm and 19.6 mm diameters for applications including winding wires and strips.

Hindustan Copper Limited, a Central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Mines, is India’s only copper miner and describes itself as the country’s sole vertically integrated refined-copper producer. It held 755.32 million tonnes of copper ore reserves and resources as at April 1, 2024, and holds all operating copper mining leases in India.

Hindustan Copper Ltd.’s shares were at Rs 554.9 as of August 26, 2026, 3:49 PM, up 4.07 per cent from the previous close of Rs 533.2. One-year/two-year/three-year returns were 125.65 per cent, 68.76 per cent and 268.10 per cent; the one-year return outperformed the BSE 500 (1.95 per cent). 52-week high/low: Rs 759.20/Rs 229.80. FII holding was 5.96 per cent, from 6.34 per cent, and DII holding was 4.84 per cent, from 5.39 per cent; both decreased.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.