Odisha Secures Historic Investment for Integrated Aluminium Project

Major Investment Agreement Signed

The government of Odisha has achieved a significant milestone by entering into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE's International Holding Company (IHC) and the Adani Group. This agreement pertains to a colossal integrated aluminium project valued at ₹1.10 lakh crore. Officials have characterized this initiative as the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) ever received by the state and the most substantial FDI proposal in India's metallurgy sector. The formal agreement was signed between IHC and the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL), with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and senior representatives from the involved companies present.

As part of this agreement, Adani Enterprises Ltd and International Resources Holding (IRH), a subsidiary of IHC, will form a 50:50 joint venture to create a greenfield integrated aluminium complex in Odisha. The funding for this project will come from a mix of debt and equity from the partners.

The planned industrial complex will include a 4-million tonne per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery, a 2-MTPA aluminium smelter, a 4,000-MW captive power plant, and a 1-MTPA downstream manufacturing park, along with necessary infrastructure. It is anticipated that this project will generate around 53,500 direct and indirect jobs in sectors such as mining, refining, smelting, and downstream manufacturing. Additionally, logistics support is expected to be facilitated through Dhamra Port, a subsidiary of Adani Ports and SEZ, situated on the Bay of Bengal.

Transformative Impact on Odisha's Economy

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the transformative potential of this investment, stating, "This project will allow Odisha to establish a complete aluminium value chain, encompassing mining, refining, smelting, and downstream manufacturing." He further noted that this initiative would create unprecedented opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and economic transformation throughout the state.

Officials revealed that the mega investment will be rolled out in two phases: the first phase will see an investment of ₹66,000 crore, followed by a second phase of ₹44,000 crore. While the exact location of the project has not been officially announced, industry insiders suggest that the alumina refinery may be located in Rayagada district, while the aluminium smelter is likely to be situated in Sundargarh district.

Long-Term Vision for Mining and Minerals

After the signing ceremony, Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, shared insights into the company's long-term strategy in the mining and minerals sector. He stated, "Through IRH, we are establishing an integrated mining and minerals business, investing in critical minerals to bolster industrial development, enhance supply chain resilience, and facilitate the energy transition."

Shueb added, "This collaboration with Adani Enterprises aligns with our strategy and our mutual goal to develop a world-class integrated aluminium project that delivers lasting economic benefits." Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and Director of Adani Cement, expressed optimism about Odisha's manufacturing capabilities. He remarked, "The proposed joint venture between Adani Group and IHC Group will further solidify our strong partnership. Together with the Odisha government, we aim to create an integrated aluminium ecosystem that generates jobs, promotes value-added manufacturing, and enhances India's industrial competitiveness."

The Adani Group anticipates that the downstream manufacturing park will attract businesses involved in producing components for various sectors, including transport, construction, power, packaging, renewable energy, and advanced engineering. This project is also expected to foster the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Odisha by strengthening the industrial supply chain.