The disclosure was made by Kumar Mangalam Birla, the group’s Chairman, following a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar.
The proposal was part of a review concerning the progress of the group’s current and future investments throughout the state.
Currently, the company operates a refinery and two smelting plants in Odisha and is constructing a 1 MTPA greenfield alumina refinery at Kansariguda through Hindalco Industries Ltd, with an investment of ₹8,000 crore.
With the planned increase in the refinery’s capacity from 1 MTPA to 3 MTPA, the project’s total investment will escalate to ₹20,000 crore.
The meeting served as a platform to assess the implementation of the group’s key projects in Odisha and explore ways to ensure their timely completion, as stated.
Discussions also included the Aditya Birla Group’s efforts to grow its presence in areas where it has minimal operations in the state.
In light of the project’s long-term prospects and the supportive measures taken by the Odisha government, the group suggested the additional investment.
The expansion is anticipated to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, along with boosting prospects for local enterprises, service providers, and downstream industries, the statement noted.
Majhi welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that Odisha’s mineral resources should be transformed into enhanced value addition, advanced manufacturing, and quality jobs within the state.
“Our goal is not only to lead the country in alumina and aluminium production but also to cultivate a globally competitive ecosystem throughout the entire value chain, from refining and primary metals to downstream and advanced products,” the Chief Minister stated.
He further noted that expanding the Kansariguda refinery would contribute to strengthening this momentum and solidifying Odisha’s role as a premier hub for metals and metallurgy in India.
Majhi assured the group of ongoing support from the state government for the timely execution and expansion of its projects, committing to work closely with the company to facilitate land, infrastructure, utilities, statutory approvals, and other necessities through a unified approach.
The meeting also evaluated the group’s existing and proposed investments across a variety of sectors including aluminium, alumina, chemicals, cement, renewable energy, textiles, and apparel.
Further discussions addressed potential investments in copper refining, copper-clad laminates, printed circuit boards, paints, jewellery manufacturing, and advanced aluminium products, as noted by an official.
The proposed expansion follows closely after the Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) and Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding (IRH) to develop an integrated greenfield aluminium project, projected at an investment of ₹1.08 lakh crore (USD 11.5 billion).
