Hindustan Copper to Revive Rakha, Kendadih Mines

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has announced a Rs. 2,700 crore revival plan to restart operations at the Rakha and Kendadih copper mines in East Singhbhum district, nearly two decades after they were shut. The move is expected to generate around 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and extend the operational life of the mines by over 50 years.

Both mines, part of HCL’s Indian Copper Complex near Ghatsila, will shift from opencast to underground mining methods. Once operational, the Kendadih mine will scale up to 0.45 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), while the Rakha mine is expected to peak at 3 MTPA. A new 3 MTPA concentrator plant will also be built at Rakha to process ore more efficiently.

To execute the project, HCL has appointed South West Mining Ltd (SWML) as the Mine Developer and Operator for a 20-year term, extendable by another decade. SWML will also develop a new underground mine at Chapri.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy called the revival a landmark for Jharkhand’s mineral economy, noting its role in reducing India’s copper import dependency. The state government is finalizing lease arrangements, while environmental clearances are under review.

India’s copper demand is projected to double from 1.3 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 2.6 million tonnes by 2030, driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles, construction, and electronics. With this expansion, Jharkhand is set to reclaim its position as a key hub in India’s copper production.