Bhubaneswar: National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has recorded its highest-ever half-yearly financial performance since its inception during the first half of financial year 2026-27 (H1 FY27).
The company reported strong growth in income, operating earnings and profitability, while making progress on major expansion projects across its mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting operations.
The performance and future growth roadmap were highlighted during NALCO’s annual media interaction programme, ‘Media Connect 2026’, organised in Bhubaneswar. Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Brijendra Pratap Singh, along with members of the company’s Board of Directors and senior officials, interacted with media representatives and discussed NALCO’s financial performance, expansion plans, sustainability initiatives and contribution to India’s industrial development.
NALCO Reports Record Financial Performance in H1 FY27
During the first half of FY27, NALCO achieved an all-time high total income of Rs 11,143 crore, registering a growth of 33% compared with the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
The company’s EBITDA increased by 50% to Rs 5,539 crore, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 55% to Rs 5,160 crore.
Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at Rs 3,837 crore, registering a significant year-on-year growth of 54%.
NALCO also recorded its highest-ever half-yearly aluminium cast metal production of 2.35 lakh tonnes, reflecting strong operational performance across its aluminium business.
Addressing the media, CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh highlighted the company’s focus on operational efficiency, capacity expansion and sustainable growth to meet the increasing demand for aluminium in India.
Read also: NALCO Q2 FY27 Results: Net Profit Rises 28% to Rs 1,835 Crore, H1 Profit Hits Record Rs 3,837 Crore
NALCO to Increase Bauxite Production to Over 10 Million Tonnes
NALCO is accelerating the development of its Pottangi Bauxite Mines in Odisha to strengthen raw material security and support its upcoming expansion projects.
According to the CMD, the operationalisation of the Pottangi Bauxite Mines is expected within the next two to three months.
Once operational, the mines are expected to increase NALCO’s annual bauxite production from approximately 7 million tonnes to more than 10 million tonnes.
The development is expected to strengthen the company’s raw material availability and support its growing alumina refining and aluminium production requirements.
Fifth Stream Alumina Refinery Project to Raise Capacity to 3.1 MTPA
NALCO is also progressing with the fifth-stream expansion of its alumina refinery at Damanjodi, Odisha.
The project is expected to increase the company’s alumina production capacity from the existing 2.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 3.1 MTPA.
The additional alumina production will support the requirements of NALCO’s proposed aluminium smelter expansion at Angul while also creating surplus capacity.
The refinery expansion is an important part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its integrated aluminium production operations.
NALCO Plans Rs 30,000 Crore Angul Smelter Expansion
One of NALCO’s major upcoming projects is the proposed 0.5 MTPA brownfield aluminium smelter expansion at Angul, Odisha.
The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 30,000 crore and is expected to nearly double the company’s existing aluminium smelting capacity from 0.46 MTPA to around 1 MTPA.
The project is targeted for commissioning by December 2030.
NALCO has entered into a technology licensing arrangement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to support the proposed expansion.
To ensure uninterrupted power supply for the expanded smelting operations, the company is also planning a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant through a 50:50 joint venture with NLC India Limited.
The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen NALCO’s production capabilities and support the growing demand for aluminium in the domestic market.
No Proposal to Shift Angul Smelter to Andhra Pradesh, Says CMD
During the media interaction, CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh clarified that there was no proposal to shift NALCO’s Angul aluminium smelting plant to Andhra Pradesh.
Responding to a journalist’s question about reports regarding the possible relocation of the facility, Singh reiterated the company’s commitment to expanding its operations in Odisha.
He also reaffirmed that the proposed brownfield smelter expansion at Angul would proceed as part of NALCO’s long-term growth strategy.
The clarification comes as the company continues to advance its major mining, refining and smelting projects in the state.
NALCO Strengthens India’s Critical Mineral Security Through KABIL
Apart from its aluminium business, NALCO is also contributing to India’s efforts to secure critical minerals through overseas exploration and strategic partnerships.
The company holds a 40% stake in Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture established to secure strategic and critical mineral resources from overseas markets.
KABIL has secured five lithium exploration blocks in Argentina’s Catamarca province.
According to the CMD, non-invasive exploration activities have indicated the presence of lithium in the blocks, and drilling operations are 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.
In addition, KABIL is exploring further opportunities in Argentina’s Salta province and potential equity partnerships in producing lithium mines in countries such as Argentina, Chile and Australia.
These initiatives are aimed at strengthening India’s long-term access to critical minerals required for advanced manufacturing, energy storage and emerging technologies.
NALCO Working on Gallium and Rare Earth Recovery from Industrial Waste
NALCO is also exploring ways to recover valuable critical minerals from industrial waste generated during its operations.
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.
The company is also pursuing research and development initiatives to recover several valuable materials from red mud and fly ash, including:
- Rare earth elements
- Scandium
- Alumina
- Ferro-titanium
These initiatives aim to promote resource efficiency, support critical mineral security and create additional value from industrial by-products.
NALCO Targets 25-30% Green Energy Share by 2030
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable industrial growth, NALCO aims to source 25-30% of its total power requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030.
The company plans to achieve this target through renewable energy procurement, rooftop solar installations and wind power initiatives.
Alongside its renewable energy plans, NALCO is also focusing on digital transformation by adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies.
These technologies are expected to improve operational efficiency, optimise industrial processes and support data-driven decision-making across its operations.
NALCO Expands CSR Initiatives in Education, Healthcare and Skill Development
During Media Connect 2026, the company also highlighted its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across healthcare, education, skill development, women empowerment and infrastructure development.
As part of its skill development efforts, around 100 youths from Angul and Damanjodi have received training in various technical trades and have been facilitated with employment opportunities in different organisations.
Through these initiatives, NALCO aims to support local communities, improve livelihood opportunities and promote inclusive development in areas surrounding its operational facilities.
NALCO Explores Greenfield Aluminium Projects for Future Growth
Looking beyond its ongoing expansion projects, NALCO is also exploring opportunities to establish additional greenfield aluminium projects.
These proposed developments are aligned with the national objectives of increasing domestic value addition, strengthening industrial self-reliance and promoting manufacturing growth.
The company’s ongoing and proposed expansion projects are being undertaken with the support of the Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
The projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities, strengthen downstream industries, promote regional economic development and contribute to the expansion of India’s aluminium sector.
With record financial performance, increasing production capacity, overseas critical mineral partnerships and a strong expansion pipeline, NALCO aims to strengthen India’s aluminium industry and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
About NALCO
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Established in 1981 and headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the company is an integrated aluminium producer engaged in bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and power generation. NALCO plays an important role in India’s aluminium industry and contributes to domestic manufacturing, mineral security and industrial development.
Read also: NALCO Plans ₹30,000 Crore Aluminium Smelter Expansion in Odisha, Targets 1 MTPA Capacity by 2030
