Adani Group: Plans to Build World’s Largest Copper Factory in India

[The Guru=Jung Deung-yong Reporter] Adani Group, India’s largest conglomerate, is building the world’s largest copper plant. It is expected to reduce India’s dependence on copper imports and contribute to India’s energy transition goals.

According to industry sources on the 5th, Adani Group is constructing the world’s largest copper production factory in Mundra, Gujarat, India. This factory, into which $1.2 billion is being invested, is expected to have an annual production capacity of 1.1 million tons. It will be operated by Kutch Copper, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises.

Adani Group has established a strong foothold in resource trading, logistics, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Utilizing these capabilities, it aims to establish the world’s largest copper refining complex by 2030, and leap forward as a global leader in the copper industry.

The copper factory under construction prioritizes eco-friendly sustainability and efficiency. It aims to be one of the most efficient copper refineries in India, with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, it is focusing on increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix and exploring eco-friendly power options.

Kutch Copper, the operator, is pushing for the construction of a copper plant in two stages. The first stage is expected to produce about 551,155 tons of short tons annually and will start full-scale operation in March. It mainly plans to produce by-products such as refined copper cathodes and rods, gold, silver, selenium, platinum, and sulfuric acid.

The Adani Group’s copper factory is expected to play an important role in meeting the copper industry demand in India. Copper is an essential element used in various industries such as electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, solar power generation, wind power generation, and batteries.

However, India’s copper production is highly dependent on imports because it does not meet domestic demand. Over the past five years, India’s copper imports have steadily increased, recording a record high of 199,000 short tons last year. Export volume plummeted to a record low of 33,069 short tons. India’s copper consumption is expected to increase to 1.87 million short tons by 2027, driven by the growth of the eco-friendly energy industry.

An Adani Group official emphasized, “This copper plant will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards copper self-sufficiency and energy transition. We will become a leader in the global copper industry by leveraging our existing strengths and introducing sustainable solutions.”

Meanwhile, Adani Group, which started as a trading company in 1998, has expanded its business to ports, airports, power plants, green energy, edible oil, cement, and real estate. It has grown into India’s largest logistics and energy company in more than 30 years since its establishment.