Copper is a well-known metal in the world. It is an important industrial metal with applications in various sectors. Copper is used in the production of electronics, power generation, construction, and telecommunications. India has been a consistent player in the global copper market. The country’s copper industry is supported by both state-owned and private enterprises. In 2023, India held 17th place in the world in terms of copper production in the world. India is home to some of the largest copper reserves that help in the production of high-quality copper in the country.
1. Madhya Pradesh
The state of Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of copper in India. The Malanjkhand Copper Project, located in the Balaghat district, is one of the largest copper mines in India. The mine is operated by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL). The copper deposits in Madhya Pradesh are known for their high concentration of copper, making them suitable for large-scale extraction. Recent efforts in technological advancements and improved mining practices have boosted the state’s copper production. Madhya Pradesh’s focus on sustainable mining and encourages exploration activities with industry partnerships.
2. Rajasthan
The next state that is a major producer of copper in India is Rajasthan. Rajasthan produces various minerals in India including copper. The state contributes to a major share of the country’s total copper output. The state is home to some of India’s largest copper mines. These mines are efficiently operated primarily by big giants in the industry like Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Vedanta Resources. The high-grade copper ore found in Rajasthan is an important raw material for the production of refined copper. The state government has been actively investing in the expansion and modernization of its mining operations, to meet the growing demand.
3. Jharkhand
Jharkhand state is rich in mineral resources. The state is blessed with various mineral resources that have helped in developing its economy. The role of the state in copper production in India is prominent. The Singhbhum Copper Belt, located in the East Singhbhum district, is the most important copper mining region in the state. Similar to the previous two states’ copper, HCL is successfully running the Singhbhum copper mine in Jharkhand. The state government has actively promoted the development of the mining sector by encouraging investment. The efforts of the state to enhance production capacity, in Jharkhand continue to play a vital role in the copper production landscape.
4. Gujarat
Gujarat is another state that contributes significantly to India’s copper production. The copper found in Gujarat is primarily used in smelting and refining activities. The Birla Copper Complex in Dahej, operated by Hindalco Industries (a part of the Aditya Birla Group), is one of the largest copper smelting plants in the country. The state’s strategic location, industrial infrastructure, and mining-friendly policies have made it a ideal place for copper production. The state government is also proactively involved in the exploration activities of copper mines, which has contributed to maintaining its top position in the industry.
5. Tamil Nadu
The state of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India is also one of the states that produce copper in India. Though the role of the state in copper production is not significant it does contribute to the nation’s output. The copper reserves of Tamil Nadu are mainly found in the districts of Salem and Dharmapuri. The state follows environment-friendly practices and responsible extraction methods that have improved its position in the copper production industry. Further, the availability of large numbers of workforce has also contributed to the production of copper in the country. The state government is also looking into various exploration activities and adoption of modern technology activities to improve its position.
In Conclusion
India is one of the major contributors to the production of copper in the world. It contributes to nearly 2% of the world’s copper production. The country’s demand for copper and its alloys is met through domestic production. The above-mentioned states significantly contribute towards country’s need for copper and its uses in various industries. India is also one of the largest importers of copper, along with countries like China, Japan and Germany. However, the role of India in copper production has declined in recent times but the efforts of various state governments in exploration and investment activities will help reclaim its position.