New Delhi, 07/07/2025: Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, unveiled the Copper Vision Document at an international mining conference held in Hyderabad. The event, focused on sustainable and responsible mining, was hosted by the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress.
Shri Reddy stressed the growing importance of copper in India’s development journey. He pointed out that copper plays a key role in the country’s shift to clean energy, the rise of electric vehicles, solar power, and expanding infrastructure. With demand expected to rise rapidly, the Vision Document outlines a clear path to meet future needs while securing reliable sources of raw materials.
The Vision Document was prepared after wide consultations with leading companies and organisations in the copper industry. These include Hindustan Copper Ltd., Hindalco Industries, Kutch Copper, Vedanta, Indo-Asia Copper, and Lohum. Industry associations such as the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) and the International Copper Association (ICA) also contributed to the plan.
The document predicts that India’s copper demand will grow six times by the year 2047. To prepare for this, it proposes increasing India’s smelting and refining capacity by 5 million tonnes per year by 2030. It also focuses on boosting domestic recycling efforts, encouraging more secondary refining, and reducing dependence on imports. One of the key strategies is to secure access to copper resources in other countries through global partnerships.
This vision aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, known as Vikshit Bharat. The Copper Vision Document is seen as a major step toward building a strong and self-reliant copper sector that can support India’s long-term goals.
By laying out this roadmap, the government aims to create a future-ready copper ecosystem that is not only secure but also sustainable. The focus on recycling, innovation, and international cooperation reflects India’s commitment to responsible growth in this important sector.
