Anugola/Bhubaneswar. IndustrialPunch : National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, is advancing its proposed ₹30,000 crore brownfield aluminium smelter expansion project at Anugola in Odisha. The project aims to add 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of aluminium smelting capacity, taking NALCO’s total capacity from the existing 0.46 MTPA to approximately 1 million tonnes annually.
According to the company, key statutory approvals, technology partnerships and supporting infrastructure initiatives are progressing to facilitate implementation. The expansion is targeted for commissioning during 2030-31 and is expected to strengthen NALCO’s position in the domestic and international aluminium markets.
Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Process Underway
An important step towards the project’s implementation is the acquisition of the additional land required for the proposed smelter.
A meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC) was recently held to facilitate land acquisition and expedite issues relating to compensation and rehabilitation of affected stakeholders.
The project requires approximately 267.21 acres of land. NALCO is working with the concerned authorities to facilitate the land acquisition and associated processes.
Technology Partnership with Emirates Global Aluminium
NALCO has entered into a technology licensing agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for deploying its DX+ Ultra aluminium smelting technology at the proposed Anugola facility.
Under the agreement, EGA will provide the technology licence, technical know-how, designs and implementation support. The technology is expected to improve productivity and energy performance while helping optimise capital and operating costs.
The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the technological foundation of NALCO’s proposed expansion.
NLC India Partnership for Captive Power
Power availability will be critical for the expanded smelting capacity. The proposed project will require an additional 1,100 MW of power.
To meet this requirement, NALCO has partnered with NLC India Limited to establish a 50:50 joint venture company for developing a 4 × 270 MW captive thermal power plant, with a planned capacity of 1,080 MW.
The company is also considering the integration of 200–250 MW of renewable energy into the project ecosystem as part of its broader energy strategy.
Damanjodi Refinery Expansion to Support Smelter Growth
NALCO is simultaneously progressing with its fifth-stream alumina refinery expansion at Damanjodi. The additional refinery capacity is expected to generate surplus alumina even after meeting the requirements of the expanded Anugola smelter.
The surplus alumina will initially be directed towards export markets, while the company is exploring opportunities for further domestic value addition.
NALCO is also evaluating the possibility of establishing another 0.5 MTPA greenfield aluminium smelter at a suitable location in India. This proposal remains under evaluation and is separate from the Anugola brownfield project.
Boost to Odisha’s Industrial Economy
The proposed expansion is expected to enhance domestic aluminium production, generate employment and support the development of downstream and ancillary industries.
With investments in smelting capacity, captive power, technology and raw-material availability, NALCO is pursuing a broader strategy to strengthen India’s aluminium manufacturing ecosystem.
The Anugola project, once commissioned, will mark a major addition to NALCO’s production capacity and support the country’s long-term industrial growth and self-reliance in aluminium.
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