India’s Copper Giants Adani, Vedanta and Hindalco Push to Keep Scrap-Based Rods Out of Government Standards

India’s leading copper producers are pushing for separate quality standards for scrap-based FRHC copper rods, arguing that inconsistent purity levels could create safety risks in electrical applications. 

Primary Producers Raise Safety and Purity Concerns 

Vedanta Limited, Hindalco Industries and businesses linked to Adani Group are opposing proposals to classify copper rods manufactured by secondary refiners under the same quality framework used for primary producers, as per the Reuters report. 

The disagreement has led to a prolonged standoff within the copper industry over fire-refined high conductivity copper rods, commonly known as FRHC copper rods, which are widely used in transformers, electrical wires and power cables. 

According to minutes of a March 23 meeting of Bureau of Indian Standards, primary producers argued that many secondary refiners may not consistently achieve the purity standards required for critical electrical applications. 

The meeting notes stated that “Indian fire (secondary) refiners may not have the requisite technology and hence are incapable of manufacturing the FRHC grade consistently.” 

Industry Body Seeks Separate Standards 

The Indian Primary Copper Association, whose members include Vedanta, Hindalco, Adani-linked businesses and Hindustan Copper Limited, has sought separate standards for FRHC copper made using scrap-based refining methods. 

Rohit Pathak, President of Indian Primary Copper Association and Chief Executive Officer of Hindalco’s copper business, said fire refining using copper scrap cannot consistently achieve 99.99% purity levels required for electrical applications. 

“Lower purity will increase overheating and fire risks. A separate standard will help ensure safe usage,” Pathak said. 

Industry representatives also alleged that some manufacturers are merely re-melting scrap instead of carrying out proper refining processes, resulting in lower-quality products entering the market. 

Secondary Refiners Defend Existing Production Methods 

Secondary producers defended their manufacturing approach during discussions with the standards authority, stating that fire refining is internationally used to manage copper composition and conductivity standards for cable manufacturing. 

The dispute has also disrupted the quality-control framework for the sector. According to industry estimates, nearly 400,000 tonnes of copper wire rod are currently being traded outside the quality control regime due to the ongoing disagreement. 

Imports And Supply Pressures Add to Industry Concerns 

India’s copper rod demand for the financial year ending March 2025 was estimated at 1.2 million metric tonnes, including imports of around 0.1 million tonnes. 

FRHC copper rod production during the period stood at approximately 0.4 million metric tonnes. 

A significant share of imports comes from the United Arab Emirates, although supply flows have faced disruptions this year because of the Middle East conflict. 

Read More: Adani Enterprises Settles OFAC Sanctions Matter With $275 Million Payment Related to Iranian LPG Imports! 

Conclusion 

The ongoing debate over FRHC copper standards has highlighted wider concerns around product safety, refining practices and quality oversight as India’s copper industry navigates rising demand and supply disruptions. 

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