Bhubaneswar, November 13: The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has registered its highest-ever half-yearly financial performance since inception in the first half of FY 2026-27, with total income surging 33 per cent to Rs 11,143 crore, while reaffirming its commitment to major capacity expansion in Odisha.Addressing the media at the Media Connect 2026 programme in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, NALCO Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Brijendra Pratap Singh outlined the company’s growth strategy, expansion roadmap and initiatives in sustainability and critical mineral security. Members of the company’s Board of Directors and senior officials were also present.Putting speculation to rest over reports of a possible relocation of NALCO’s aluminium smelter from Angul to Andhra Pradesh, Singh categorically clarified that there was no such proposal.NALCO recorded an impressive financial performance during H1 FY 2026-27, with EBITDA rising 50 per cent to Rs 5,539 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) increasing 55 per cent to Rs 5,160 crore. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs 3,837 crore, registering a growth of 54 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous financial year. The company also achieved its highest-ever half-yearly aluminium cast metal production of 2.35 lakh tonnes.Highlighting the company’s expansion plans, Singh said the operationalisation of the Pottangi Bauxite Mines, expected within the next two to three months, would increase NALCO’s bauxite production from around seven million tonnes to over 10 million tonnes. Similarly, the commissioning of the fifth stream of the Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi would raise its alumina production capacity from the existing 2.1 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes.A major component of the expansion strategy is the proposed 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) brownfield aluminium smelter project at Angul. Backed by a technology licensing arrangement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the project is expected to nearly double NALCO’s existing aluminium smelting capacity from 0.46 MTPA to around one MTPA. It is targeted for commissioning by December 2030.To ensure uninterrupted power supply for the expanded smelter, NALCO is also planning a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant through a 50:50 joint venture with NLC India Limited.On India’s critical mineral security, the CMD highlighted NALCO’s significant role in Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), in which the company holds a 40 per cent stake. KABIL has secured five lithium exploration blocks in Argentina’s Catamarca province. Initial non-invasive exploration has indicated the presence of lithium, with drilling operations expected to begin shortly. The exploration programme is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.A pilot plant is also planned to assess lithium grades and establish the process for producing lithium carbonate. KABIL is further exploring opportunities in Argentina’s Salta province and potential equity partnerships in producing lithium mines in Argentina, Chile and Australia.In another significant initiative towards critical mineral self-reliance, NALCO is working on recovering valuable minerals from industrial waste. A pilot plant for gallium recovery from red mud is being developed at Damanjodi in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and other institutions. Research initiatives are also underway to recover rare earth elements, scandium, alumina and ferro-titanium from red mud and fly ash.Emphasising the company’s sustainability goals, Singh said NALCO aims to meet 25-30 per cent of its total power requirement through green energy by 2030. The target will be pursued through renewable energy procurement, rooftop solar installations and wind power initiatives. The company is also embracing digital transformation through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve operational efficiency.Singh said around 100 youths from Angul and Damanjodi have already been trained in various technical trades and facilitated with employment opportunities in different organisations under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.Bhubaneswar, November 13: The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has registered its highest-ever half-yearly financial performance since inception in the first half of FY 2026-27, with total income surging 33 per cent to Rs 11,143 crore, while reaffirming its commitment to major capacity expansion in Odisha.Addressing the media at the Media Connect 2026 programme in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, NALCO Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Brijendra Pratap Singh outlined the company’s growth strategy, expansion roadmap and initiatives in sustainability and critical mineral security. Members of the company’s Board of Directors and senior officials were also present…
Record profits, mega expansion: NALCO bets big on Odisha growth
