In a significant step toward bolstering India’s raw material security and promoting sustainable growth, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy unveiled the Copper Vision Document today at the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining in Hyderabad. Organized by the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress, the event spotlighted best practices in mine closure and sustainable resource management.
Copper: The Backbone of India’s Green and Industrial Future
Addressing the gathering, Shri Reddy underlined copper’s critical role in India’s energy transition, infrastructure expansion, and the advancement of green technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. He emphasized that the Copper Vision Document provides a long-term strategic roadmap to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for copper while reducing dependency on imports.
“Copper is indispensable for a cleaner, smarter, and energy-efficient future. As India moves towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, securing essential minerals like copper is no longer optional—it is vital,” said Shri Reddy.
Vision 2047: Projecting a Sixfold Surge in Copper Demand
The Copper Vision Document outlines a bold and data-driven plan to address an anticipated sixfold increase in domestic copper demand by the year 2047. This rise is driven by the exponential growth of sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, smart grids, and electronics.
To meet this surge, the document proposes the addition of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of smelting and refining capacity by 2030. This expansion will ensure that India develops a self-reliant and globally competitive copper industry in the coming decades.
Key Strategic Priorities
The Vision Document, crafted in close collaboration with major industry players such as Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL), Hindalco Industries Ltd., Kutch Copper Ltd., Vedanta Ltd., Indo-Asia Copper Ltd., and Lohum, along with key associations including the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA) and the International Copper Association (ICA), outlines strategic priorities in the following core areas:
- Secondary Refining: Expanding domestic capabilities to process scrap and recycled copper more efficiently.
- Enhanced Recycling: Creating a circular economy for copper by investing in technologies and processes that support high-yield recycling.
- Reduced Import Dependency: Minimizing exposure to global market volatility by securing overseas copper mineral assets through strategic international partnerships.
- Infrastructure Development: Improving logistical and utility infrastructure to support upcoming copper projects.
A Collaborative, Future-Ready Approach
Shri Reddy praised the collaborative approach taken in drafting the Vision Document. “This roadmap reflects the collective aspirations of the industry, policy makers, and stakeholders. Together, we are creating a copper ecosystem that is sustainable, resilient, and globally aligned,” he noted.
He further added that India’s copper ecosystem must also uphold environmental sustainability and social responsibility, particularly in mining and mine closure practices — echoing the theme of the international conference.
Alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047
The Copper Vision Document is part of a broader effort to realise the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision — an economically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and globally influential India. Copper, with its strategic applications in renewable energy, electrical transmission, and industrial manufacturing, is seen as a cornerstone of this ambition.
“This vision is not only about numbers or infrastructure—it’s about building an India that is secure in its resources, innovative in its approach, and sustainable in its development path,” Shri Reddy said in his concluding remarks.
Looking Ahead
With global demand for critical minerals rising and supply chains under increasing strain, India’s proactive approach—anchored by the Copper Vision Document—marks a significant step towards strategic autonomy in mineral sourcing and industrial resilience.
The document is expected to serve as a guiding framework for investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, enabling informed decision-making and long-term planning.
