Hindustan Copper to Invest ₹2,000 Crore, Triples Mining Capacity!
India’s only integrated copper producer gears up for a significant production boost and global collaboration to meet surging demand for copper in the clean energy transition.
Summary:
Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has unveiled an ambitious investment plan of ₹2,000 crore over the next 5-6 years aimed at tripling its mining capacity. The government-operated PSU also entered into a strategic agreement with CODELCO, the state-owned copper powerhouse of Chile, aimed at enhancing technical expertise, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices in the mining sector. This expansion plan comes at a time when global demand for copper is poised to surge due to the rise of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure development. Even after the announcement, HCL’s shares fell by 1.61% on the BSE, finishing at ₹259.60.
Hindustan Copper Prepares for Growth in Response to Rising Copper Demand
In a major strategic initiative aimed at meeting India’s rising copper demand and aiding the country’s shift toward cleaner technologies, Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has revealed plans to invest ₹2,000 crore over the next five to six years to triple its existing mining capacity.
The announcement marks one of the most significant capacity-building efforts in the Indian mining sector, especially in the non-ferrous metals segment. This investment underscores the government’s focus on boosting domestic copper production to reduce import dependency and ensure resource security in an electrified future.
Collaboration with CODELCO: A Global Benchmark
In a parallel development that adds global heft to its expansion roadmap, HCL has entered into a strategic collaboration pact with CODELCO (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile) — the world’s largest copper producer. The Chilean state-owned enterprise, headquartered in Santiago, is a global leader in copper mining and has decades of experience in large-scale mining operations and sustainable practices.
The pact is aimed at knowledge sharing, technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable mining practices. With CODELCO’s guidance, HCL is expected to improve operational efficiencies, reduce environmental impact, and adopt modern mechanization and digital mining techniques.
This collaboration is timely, considering CODELCO’s own transformation journey toward eco-efficient mining and its role in setting global best practices. For HCL, the deal positions the company on the international stage and brings a significant competitive edge.
Copper: The Backbone of Energy Transition
The importance of copper in the global economy is surging, driven by its critical use in electric vehicles (EVs), solar and wind energy systems, power grids, and electronics. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), copper demand is expected to nearly double by 2035, especially as the world pivots to low-carbon energy solutions.
India, with its ambitious renewable energy targets and EV policies, is poised to become one of the fastest-growing copper-consuming nations. However, the country currently relies heavily on imports to meet its copper needs. Hindustan Copper’s expansion is expected to significantly reduce import dependency and promote self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Details of the Investment Plan
A total investment of ₹2,000 crore will be directed towards the modernization and expansion of existing mining operations, with a particular emphasis on significant projects like the Khetri Copper Complex in Rajasthan, Malanjkhand in Madhya Pradesh, and the Indian Copper Complex in Jharkhand.
According to company sources, the expansion aims to raise the mining capacity from around 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 12 MTPA. The focus will be on both open-cast and underground mining, with significant investments in digital automation, ore beneficiation, and waste reduction technologies.
Stock Market Reaction
Despite the strategic long-term importance of the announcement, shares of Hindustan Copper fell by 1.61% on the BSE, closing at ₹259.60, down ₹4.25. The decline is attributed to broader market volatility and short-term profit booking. However, analysts believe the long-term outlook for the stock remains bullish, driven by copper’s rising strategic importance and HCL’s increasing production base.
Brokerages have highlighted that while upfront capex may weigh on margins in the near term, it positions the company to capitalize on strong copper pricing in the medium to long term.
Strengthening India’s Critical Mineral Strategy
The move also aligns with the Indian government’s vision of securing supply chains for critical and strategic minerals. As global powers race to lock in raw materials crucial for clean tech and semiconductor industries, India has accelerated efforts to strengthen its domestic base in lithium, rare earth, and copper.
The Ministry of Mines has also emphasized the importance of India building strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations. The HCL-CODELCO agreement could act as a template for future government-to-government collaborations.
Voices from the Top
Speaking about the collaboration, HCL’s CMD N. Ramesh noted:
“Partnering with CODELCO is a landmark development for HCL. It will enable us to leverage global best practices, elevate safety and sustainability standards, and transform India’s copper mining landscape.”
Meanwhile, CODELCO representatives expressed interest in helping emerging markets like India build robust and responsible mining ecosystems. The partnership is expected to foster joint training programs, exchange of technical personnel, and joint R&D efforts in areas like exploration geology, drilling technologies, and mine rehabilitation.
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap for India’s Copper Ambitions
Hindustan Copper’s ₹2,000 crore investment and its partnership with CODELCO represent not only capacity growth but also a significant advancement in India’s self-reliance on resources and the modernization of technology within the mining sector. As copper cements its role as the “metal of electrification,” this move places India on the global mining map and strengthens its clean energy value chain.
With execution discipline, sustainability focus, and international expertise on its side, HCL is poised to become a critical pillar of India’s energy and industrial future.
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