NALCO targets 1 mtpa aluminium smelting capacity at Angul by 2030-31
Company plans to more than double existing capacity, adopts EGA technology; records best-ever half-yearly net profit of Rs 3,837 crore
By Swetalina Routray
Bhubaneswar, November 14: State-run National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) plans to more than double its aluminium smelting capacity at Angul to around 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030-31, as part of an expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the global aluminium market.
The company currently has an installed smelting capacity of 0.46 mtpa. The proposed expansion is expected to substantially increase production capacity and enhance its ability to cater to rising domestic and international demand.
Announcing the roadmap on Friday, NALCO Chairman and Managing Director Brijendra Pratap Singh said the company was pursuing technology, power and raw material partnerships to support the proposed expansion.
NALCO has entered into a technology licensing agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to adopt its proprietary aluminium smelting technology. The agreement is expected to facilitate the deployment of globally established and energy-efficient production processes at the expanded Angul facility.
Power availability will be another critical component of the expansion. NALCO has partnered with NLC India Ltd through a 50:50 joint venture to set up a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant. The project will comprise four units of 270 MW each. The company is also examining the possibility of integrating 200-250 MW of renewable energy into the proposed power infrastructure.
On the raw material front, the ongoing fifth-stream expansion of NALCO’s alumina refinery at Damanjodi is expected to provide additional alumina supplies required to support the increased smelting capacity.
The company’s expansion strategy also includes exploring opportunities for additional greenfield aluminium projects. These initiatives are intended to strengthen domestic production capacity, promote downstream value addition and support India’s manufacturing ambitions.
However, Singh ruled out any immediate proposal to establish an aluminium smelter outside Odisha. Responding to a question on the possibility of setting up a smelting facility in Andhra Pradesh, he said no such proposal had been considered so far.
The capacity expansion comes at a time when NALCO is reporting strong financial and operational performance. The company recorded its highest-ever half-yearly financial results in the first six months of 2026-27, with total income rising to Rs 11,143 crore and net profit increasing 54 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3,837 crore.
Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 50 per cent to Rs 5,539 crore, while profit before tax rose 55 per cent to Rs 5,160 crore.
For the July-September quarter of 2026-27, NALCO’s net profit increased 28 per cent compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Operational income during the quarter rose 26 per cent to Rs 5,419 crore.
Operationally, the company achieved its highest-ever half-yearly aluminium cast metal production of 2.35 lakh tonnes. It also reported record cumulative domestic sales of alumina and aluminium metal during the period.
Reflecting its improved financial position, the company’s board has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4.50 per equity share for 2026-27, involving a total payout of Rs 826.48 crore.
The proposed expansion at Angul, together with additional alumina production at Damanjodi and augmentation of captive power capacity, is expected to strengthen NALCO’s integrated aluminium production chain and provide a platform for its next phase of growth.
Photographs: NALCO CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh addresses media persons in Bhubaneswar on Friday (top); Singh with senior company officials (below).
