Vedanta Lanjigarh Becomes India’s Largest Alumina Refinery
Capacity expansion to 5 MTPA places Odisha plant among top alumina producers globally
Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh refinery in Odisha has reached a major milestone by becoming India’s largest alumina refinery and the second-largest in the world outside China. The refinery has scaled up its production capacity from 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 5 MTPA, marking a significant boost to India’s aluminium and manufacturing sector.
With this expansion, India’s total alumina refining capacity has increased to nearly 13 MTPA. The country now stands as the third-largest alumina producer globally. The Lanjigarh refinery alone contributes about 38 per cent of India’s total alumina output, making it the biggest single-location alumina refinery in the nation.
A Big Boost to India’s Aluminium Industry
The expansion highlights Vedanta Aluminium’s focus on building a strong and globally competitive aluminium ecosystem in India. Demand for aluminium is rising rapidly across key sectors such as infrastructure, automobiles and electric vehicles, renewable energy, construction, railways, and aerospace.
By increasing domestic alumina production, the Lanjigarh refinery is helping reduce import dependence and support India’s long-term industrial growth. The scale-up also strengthens supply chains for downstream aluminium manufacturing across the country.
Record Production Achieved Alongside Expansion
Along with the capacity increase, the refinery has also delivered its highest-ever monthly alumina production. In November, the plant produced 254 kilotonnes (KT) of alumina. This marks an 8 per cent increase compared to the previous month and a sharp 68 per cent growth compared to the same period last year.
Officials said this record output reflects strong operational discipline and efficient execution across the refinery. During the same month, the facility handled more than 700 railway rakes, the highest ever in a single month, ensuring smooth movement of raw materials and finished products.
Focus on Efficiency and Cost Control
The refinery has also improved its operational efficiency. It achieved the lowest specific power consumption in the last 20 months and reduced conversion costs to an 18-month low. These gains were made possible through better process optimisation, improved resource management, and strict cost control measures.
Such improvements not only increase productivity but also support Vedanta’s focus on sustainable and responsible manufacturing.
Leadership Speaks on the Milestone
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said the expansion is more than just a capacity increase. He described it as an important step towards building a strong and resilient aluminium value chain for India. He added that the record production numbers reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for the country.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta’s Alumina Business, said the achievement reflects the dedication and engineering expertise of the teams involved. He noted that every stage of the expansion, from planning to commissioning, was driven by precision, teamwork, and agility. He also reaffirmed the company’s focus on process improvement, efficiency, and its Zero Harm safety culture.
Journey from Greenfield to Global Scale
The Lanjigarh refinery began operations as a 2 MTPA greenfield project. In 2020, Vedanta Aluminium launched an ambitious expansion plan to meet growing domestic and global demand for alumina.
Despite challenges, the company steadily moved forward with the expansion by adopting modern technologies, strengthening operational systems, and focusing on workforce capability. The successful scale-up to 5 MTPA marks a major chapter in the refinery’s growth journey.
Strengthening Odisha’s Industrial Profile
The expansion of the Lanjigarh refinery also strengthens Odisha’s position as a key industrial and manufacturing hub in India. The project supports local employment, infrastructure development, and economic growth in the region.
With increased capacity, improved efficiency, and strong safety and sustainability practices, Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh refinery is set to play a central role in meeting India’s future alumina and aluminium needs while maintaining global standards of performance.
