Kolkata: Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), India’s only copper mining company, has delivered a strong operational performance in the financial year 2025–26, achieving the highest production and sales figures in several years. The company’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, operational resilience and long‑term capacity expansion has contributed to these record results.
Historic Increase in Copper Production
During FY 2025–26, Hindustan Copper Ltd achieved a Metal in Concentrate (MIC) production of 27,421 tonnes, marking a 9% increase over the previous fiscal year (FY 2024–25). This is the highest MIC output recorded by HCL in the past seven years.
Similarly, the company registered ore production of 3.67 million tonnes, representing a 6% increase compared to last year. On the sales front, 27,367 tonnes of Copper MIC were sold, the best annual sales volume in the past five years, demonstrating strong operational execution and market demand.
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Strategic Growth and Vision Plan 2030
HCL continues to progress towards its Vision Plan 2030, with an objective to achieve 12.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) mining capacity by the end of the decade. Key operational actions supporting this vision include:
- Resumption of mining operations at Kendadih, Kolihan, and Surda mines.
- Awarding of job contracts worth over INR 1,400 crore to accelerate development activities.
- Entry into an auction lease through the Sidhi Copper Block acquisition.
- Ongoing statutory clearance efforts, including progress on the long‑pending Chandmari clearance.
Advancements in Technology and Sustainability
HCL has introduced several technological and sustainability‑focused initiatives to enhance mining efficiency and environmental performance:
Large‑Scale Paste Backfill Technology
The Malanjkhand Copper Project now operates one of India’s first large‑scale paste fill plants. This technology improves underground mining safety, supports simultaneous mining operations, and enables industrial‑scale reuse of tailings — a major step in sustainable mining practices.
Clean and Energy‑Efficient Operations
HCL has deployed battery‑operated Load‑Haul‑Dump (LHD) machines in its underground mines. These electric vehicles reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and lower ventilation requirements — further aligning operations with environmental stewardship goals.
Employee Welfare and Financial Inclusion Initiatives
To support its workforce, HCL implemented several welfare initiatives during the year:
- Launch of the License to Operate (LTO) software to streamline processes.
- Introduction of a Nursing Scheme and educational support under the Sathee Scheme.
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India to deliver a Corporate Salary Package for both permanent and contractual employees — reinforcing financial security and inclusion.
These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to social responsibility and the wellbeing of all personnel involved in its operations.
Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook
Shri Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of HCL, acknowledged the contribution of the company’s workforce, the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Mines, customers, partners, and supporting stakeholders in achieving this strong performance.
He reiterated HCL’s focus on responsible resource utilization, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, which will remain core pillars as the company moves forward.
About Hindustan Copper Limited
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is India’s only vertically‑integrated copper producing company, engaged in exploration, mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining and associated downstream activities. A Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, HCL plays a pivotal role in promoting domestic copper production, driving strategic growth, sustainable mining, and value creation for its stakeholders.
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