Hindustan Copper Limited is preparing a comprehensive expansion drive to significantly increase domestic copper ore production, with the company planning to restart several dormant copper mines and sign 3-4 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Jharkhand and Sikkim governments over the next two months. According to sources, a Hindustan Copper team is currently in Sikkim, while the company's top management has recently met Chief Ministers of both states to discuss restarting closed copper mines. The Union Mines Minister also spoke separately with both Chief Ministers on Wednesday, with the objective of expediting the revival process. These mines are expected to become operational over the next 8-10 months, subject to necessary approvals.
A senior Hindustan Copper official confirmed that once the planned expansion is completed, the company's ore production capacity could rise more than three times to 12.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from the current 4 MTPA. The official noted that Jharkhand's Rakha mine is currently in the revival phase, while operations at the Kendadih mine have already resumed. The expansion of the Malanjkhand underground mine also forms a key part of Hindustan Copper's long-term growth strategy. The proposed expansion comes at a time when demand for copper is expected to rise sharply, driven by areas like EVs, power infrastructure and data centres.
According to sources, the Dikchu copper deposit in Sikkim remains at the exploration stage, while copper deposits also exist in the Rangpo-Bhotang and Pachikhani belts, although mining activity in these regions has remained suspended for several years. Most copper assets in Sikkim are currently either dormant or under exploration, with some of the deposits believed to be of high grade. The company is focusing on expanding domestic copper production to cater to rising demand from EV manufacturing, power infrastructure projects and the fast-growing data centre ecosystem.
In a significant step towards global expansion, Hindustan Copper has been offered five copper blocks by Chile's state-owned mining giant CODELCO, according to latest sources. A technical team from Hindustan Copper has already inspected the mines, and a formal agreement between the two companies is expected to be signed within the next six months. The proposed acquisition would mark the company's first major overseas mining asset acquisition, significantly strengthening its international presence and positioning it as a key player in securing India's critical mineral requirements. This overseas expansion strategy complements the company's domestic revival plans.
The comprehensive expansion strategy positions Hindustan Copper as the country's only vertically integrated copper producer with operations spanning the entire value chain. The company's focus on reviving dormant mines and expanding production capacity addresses India's growing demand for copper in renewable energy, electric vehicles, defence and power infrastructure sectors. These initiatives are expected to significantly strengthen Hindustan Copper's long-term resource base and position the company as a key player in securing India's critical mineral and copper requirements, with the company's top management in regular discussions with state governments to expedite approvals and operational clearances.
