- Focus to be on fused, special-grade alumina products
- 1-mnt alumina refinery to be commissioned by Jun’26
State-run National Aluminium Company (Nalco) is set to invest INR 30,000 crore over the next five years to expand its aluminium and power capacity, aiming to meet India’s growing aluminium demand, projected to rise from 4.5-5 million tonnes (mnt) to 8 mnt by 2030. The company expects aluminium demand to grow 1.5 times faster than India’s GDP, with a 10% annual increase driven by the power, construction, and transport sectors.
As part of its expansion, Nalco will commission a 1-mnt alumina refinery by June 2026, establish a 0.5-mnt aluminium smelter, and build a 1-GW coal-based power plant by 2030. Of the total planned investment, INR 17,000-18,000 crore will be allocated for the smelter in Odisha and around INR 12,000 crore for the power project. The company plans to finance the projects through a mix of internal accruals and debt at favourable rates, leveraging its zero-debt status.
Nalco is also focusing on value-added products, expanding production of rolled products, fused alumina, and special-grade alumina for domestic and export markets. A 60,000-tonne (t) wire rod mill is being set up to meet the rising demand from India’s ongoing electrification projects. The company aims to strengthen exports in the alumina chemical segment and expand capacity in high-value alumina products.
With captive coal mines covering 35-40% of power costs and raw material secured for the next 20 years, Nalco positions itself as one of the lowest-cost alumina producers globally. The company remains committed to achieving Maharatna status by 2030, enhancing production, and supporting India’s growing aluminium and infrastructure demand.
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