Vedanta’s BALCO Achieves Milestone with First Metal Output from 525 kA Smelter

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, has produced the first metal from India’s largest 525 kilo Ampere smelter, located in Korba, Chhattisgarh. This development marks a key stage in BALCO’s one million tonne per annum expansion project, setting a new benchmark in aluminium smelting technology in the country.

Technological Leap in Aluminium Smelting

The 525 kilo Ampere smelter surpasses the previous national benchmark of 378 kilo Ampere, offering improvements in scale, efficiency, and operational processes. The new smelter integrates advanced engineering and automation systems, demonstrating BALCO’s approach to modernising production and strengthening India’s aluminium industry.

Expansion and Production Capacity

With the commissioning of the 0.435 million tonne per annum potline, BALCO’s total aluminium production capacity will reach one million tonnes per annum. This achievement places the company among global producers with similar output levels, often referred to as the Million Tonne Club. 

The ramp-up is expected to contribute over 20 per cent of India’s total aluminium production, supporting the nation’s industrial growth and strategic self-reliance.

Supporting India’s Make in India Vision

The expansion aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, providing greater availability of domestically produced aluminium for critical sectors such as defence, aerospace, automotive, construction, and power transmission. 

The increased domestic output is intended to reduce dependency on imports while enhancing the quality and supply of aluminium for strategic and industrial applications.

Global Collaboration

The achievement has been made possible through collaboration with global and domestic partners, including Larsen & Toubro, Asea Brown Boveri, Siemens, and Guiyang Aluminium Magnesium Design & Research Institute. Their contribution in engineering, automation, and efficiency systems has been integral to the successful commissioning of the smelter.

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Conclusion

BALCO’s entry into the Million Tonne Club with its 525 kilo Ampere smelter marks a new chapter for India’s aluminium sector. The milestone also creates opportunities beyond aluminium production. Increased capacity is likely to generate employment, support allied industries, and stimulate economic growth in Chhattisgarh and other regions. 

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