- Vedanta posts higher output in all commodities except lead
- Copper cathodes see highest q-o-q percentage rise of 10%
Vedanta Limited recently reported its base metals production results for the third quarter of FY’25 (Q3FY’25) and the first nine months ended 31 December 2024 (3QFY’25). For the quarter, the company reported positive trends in all commodities except lead. Aluminium production inched up by 1% q-o-q, while zinc output saw a 3% q-o-q increase. Production of lead decreased by 13% q-o-q, while that of copper cathodes increased by 10% q-o-q (highest percentage rise).
Aluminium
In Q3FY’25, Vedanta’s aluminium production amounted to 614,000 tonnes (t), marking a 1% increase compared to 609,000 t in the previous quarter. On a y-o-y basis aluminium output rose 3% to 599,000 t in Q2FY’24.
Vedanta’s Jharsuguda complex and Balco, a subsidiary, had a combined primary aluminium smelting capacity of approximately 2.2 mnt. In Q3FY’25, Jharsuguda’s output reached 464,000 t, while Balco produced 150,000 t, both showing a 1% increase q-o-q.
Additionally, alumina production inched up by 1% q-o-q to 505,000 t in Q3FY’25 and jumped 16% y-o-y in 3QFY’25.
Copper
The company’s copper cathode production in Q3FY’25 saw a 10% increase to 45,000 t from the previous quarter’s 41,000 t. On a y-o-y basis, copper cathode production increased by 3% compared to 43,000 t in Q3FY’24.
Vedanta’s installed copper cathode capacity totalled approximately 0.21 mnt in FY’25.
Additionally, Vedanta plans to invest around $30 million in a copper rod mill project in Saudi Arabia, with a capacity of 125,000 t per annum. All approvals have been secured, land has been acquired, and technology orders have been placed. Construction will begin soon, and full commercial production is expected by Q4FY’26.
Zinc
Vedanta’s zinc metal production touched 204,000 t in Q3FY’25, marking a 3% increase compared to 198,000 t in the previous quarter. This growth was driven by an increase in higher-grade zinc output and an uptick in production at the Agucha and Zawar mines.
Additionally, in 3QFY’25, Vedanta achieved its highest-ever refined zinc production, which was up by 3% q-o-q, supported by improved mined metal grades, better mill recovery, and enhanced plant availability and operational efficiency.
The company’s production capacity totalled approximately 0.84 mnt in FY’24.
Lead
Vedanta’s lead production decreased by 13% in Q3FY’25 to 55,000 t against 63,000 t in Q2FY’25. Notably, lead production increased by 2% in Q3FY’25 from 56,000 t in the CPLY.
Vedanta’s installed capacity for lead primary production is 0.20 mnt annually.
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