Hindalco's Copper Innovations used for Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Project

Ahmedabad, India (Metro Rail Today): The launch of India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat, marks a significant milestone for Hindalco Industries. As a leading producer of copper and aluminum, Hindalco is at the forefront of transforming India’s transportation and sustainable energy sectors.

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, designed for inter-city travel on the Vande Bharat platform, relies on electric lines predominantly made from copper produced by Hindalco. The company also plays a crucial role as a key supplier of copper for the rail’s motors and internal wiring, underscoring its integral role in modernizing India’s rail infrastructure.

Hindalco’s copper is essential for the electrification of approximately 95% of India’s railways and is used in around two-thirds of the country’s households. The company’s advanced Cu-Silver alloys are spearheading advancements in high-speed and urban transportation, dedicated freight corridors, and the expanding metro rail network. Additionally, Hindalco is developing Copper-Magnesium alloys to enhance the next generation of sustainable electrification technologies.

At its Dahej facility in Gujarat, Hindalco operates one of the world’s largest single-location copper smelter complexes, complete with integrated port facilities. In response to the growing global demand for copper, the company is expanding its smelting capacity and plans to establish a new factory in Gujarat, which is positioning itself as the global copper capital.

Gujarat’s prominence in copper production is rising, making it a major hub in the global copper industry, second only to China. This growth is driven by increased demand from sectors such as urbanization, renewable energy (including windmills, solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries), and overall electrification.

Rohit Pathak, CEO of Hindalco’s Copper business, highlighted the company’s efforts: “We are scaling up capacities and developing innovative products as copper becomes critical to India’s transition to a developed economy and net-zero emissions. The electric mobility and renewable energy sectors are major drivers of this demand. Additionally, we are setting up India’s first e-waste recycling plant in Dahej, which will enhance our capabilities in copper recycling and reinforce our leadership in green practices.”

Hindalco is also showcasing its latest copper innovations and sustainability initiatives at the Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo (RE-Invest 2024) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 16-18. This global conference on sustainable energy, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, features the company’s Cu-Silver and Copper-Magnesium alloys.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, Hindalco’s copper sales exceeded 500,000 tonnes, making it the second-largest copper rod producer globally outside China. The Dahej unit includes copper smelters supported by a captive power plant, oxygen plants, by-product and precious metal plants, utilities, and a captive jetty.

The company is also building India’s largest Copper Inner Groove Tube plant in Wagodia, Gujarat, set to be commissioned by the end of this year. This facility aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported components for air conditioners. Additionally, Hindalco is progressing with the development of India’s first and largest e-waste and copper recycling facility in Dahej.

Over the past 25 years, Birla Copper, a part of Hindalco, has established strong, trust-based relationships with customers across India and has been instrumental in fostering a robust copper industry. From a 150 KT annual demand in 1998, which was met through imports, the demand has surged to 810 KT. Major downstream players, including RR Kabel, Polycab, Havells, and KEI, have grown significantly with Hindalco as a key partner in their expansion.

Hindalco’s contributions are pivotal in supporting India’s ambitious infrastructure projects and advancing the country’s sustainable development goals.