Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): Aditya Birla Group has proposed an additional investment of ₹12,000 crore to significantly expand its upcoming alumina refinery project at Kansariguda in Kashipur tehsil of Rayagada district, taking the project’s total investment to nearly ₹20,000 crore.
The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the group’s ongoing investments in Odisha and exploring new opportunities across multiple industrial sectors.
Refinery Capacity to Triple
The Kansariguda project, being developed by Hindalco Industries Ltd., was initially planned as a 1-million-tonne-per-annum (MTPA) greenfield alumina refinery with an estimated investment of ₹8,000 crore.
Under the revised proposal, the company plans to add 2 MTPA of refining capacity through a fresh investment of ₹12,000 crore, increasing the refinery’s overall capacity to 3 MTPA.
The expansion is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment while creating new business opportunities for local industries, contractors, transporters, and service providers. It is also likely to promote the growth of downstream aluminium-based industries in the region.
Odisha Eyes Greater Value Addition
Welcoming the expansion proposal, the state government reiterated its commitment to transforming Odisha’s abundant mineral resources into high-value industrial output.
The government said its vision is to develop a globally competitive aluminium ecosystem encompassing alumina refining, primary aluminium production, downstream manufacturing, and advanced metal products. Officials believe the expansion of the Kansariguda refinery will further strengthen Odisha’s position as India’s leading hub for metals and mineral-based industries.
Government Assures Full Support
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured the Aditya Birla Group of the state’s continued support for the timely execution of the project. He said the government would facilitate land acquisition, infrastructure, utilities, statutory clearances, and other project requirements through coordinated efforts among concerned departments.
Wider Investment Discussions
Apart from the refinery expansion, the meeting reviewed the Aditya Birla Group’s existing and proposed investments in sectors such as aluminium, alumina, chemicals, cement, renewable energy, textiles, and apparel.
The discussions also explored potential investments in copper refining, copper-clad laminates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), technical textiles, paints, jewellery manufacturing, and advanced aluminium products, signalling the group’s interest in expanding its industrial footprint across Odisha.
With the proposed expansion, the Kansariguda project is set to become one of the largest alumina refinery investments in the state, reinforcing Odisha’s ambition to emerge as a global centre for value-added metal manufacturing and industrial growth.