Nalco to Start Pottangi Bauxite Mine soon
New mining operations and refinery expansion to boost Odisha’s aluminium industry
Bhubaneswar: State-owned National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) is gearing up to begin operations at its Pottangi bauxite mines in Odisha by June next year, marking a major step in the company’s long-term expansion strategy. The move is expected to significantly strengthen Nalco’s mining capacity and support Odisha’s growing aluminium ecosystem.
Nalco Chairman and Managing Director Brijendra Pratap Singh confirmed that Dilip Buildcon has emerged as the lowest bidder for developing and operating the Pottangi mine. He said the project is progressing as planned and moving steadily toward the targeted operational date. The mine will play a crucial role in securing raw material supplies for Nalco’s expanding alumina refinery at Damanjodi.
To meet rising demand, Nalco is installing a fifth stream at its Damanjodi refinery, which will add one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to its current capacity of 2.275 MTPA. With the Odisha government granting a 50-year mining lease over nearly 698 hectares at Pottangi, the company will have assured bauxite availability for decades, supporting both current and future production requirements.
CMD Singh highlighted that Nalco has already planned alternative bauxite sourcing options, ensuring uninterrupted supply even if production timelines shift. “We already have a separate project where alternate sourcing of bauxite is there,” he said, emphasizing the company’s preparedness and supply resilience.
The Pottangi mine, once operational, is expected to accelerate Nalco’s integrated aluminium operations—from mining and refining to smelting and downstream production. This expansion aligns with the state’s broader industrial development vision, as Odisha continues to strengthen its position as India’s aluminium capital.
Industry experts say the upcoming mining operations will not only boost Nalco’s production capabilities but also generate economic benefits for surrounding regions. Increased mining and refinery activity is likely to create jobs, support ancillary industries, and enhance infrastructure in the Koraput district and nearby areas.
With the Pottangi project on track and major capacity upgrades underway, Nalco is set to reinforce its leadership in the aluminium sector while contributing to Odisha’s economic growth and resource-driven development.
