Nalco Accelerates Aluminium Ambitions: Pottangi Bauxite Mines Set for June 2026 Launch!

State-run Nalco is gearing up to operationalize the Pottangi bauxite mines in Odisha's Koraput district by mid-2026, as confirmed by CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh. This greenfield project, spanning 697.979 hectares with a 50-year lease, will fuel the company's fifth stream addition at Damanjodi refinery, boosting output by 1 MTPA from current 2.275 MTPA.​

Dilip Buildcon, the L-1 bidder, is advancing mine development and operations. Parallel contingency measures, including a 3 MTPA conveyor from existing mines commissioning by April-May 2026, guarantee uninterrupted bauxite supply amid expansion.​

The initiative strengthens Nalco's integrated aluminium chain, enhancing Odisha's industrial footprint and India's metal self-reliance.

Key Highlights

Launch Target: Operations by June 2026 at Pottangi deposit.​

Capacity Boost: Supports +1 MTPA at Damanjodi refinery.​

Lease Details: 697.979 ha for 50 years from Odisha Govt.​

Contractor: Dilip Buildcon as lowest bidder for development.​

Backup Plan: 3 MTPA alternate sourcing conveyor by Q2 2026.​

Nalco's strategic mining push positions it for sustained growth in global aluminium markets.​

Sources: Business Standard, Hindu BusinessLine, Daily Excelsior​