Engineering consultancy major RITES Ltd on Friday announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with state-run Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) to jointly develop and strengthen the supply chain for metals and minerals, including critical minerals, both within India and internationally.
The partnership will focus on a comprehensive range of operations encompassing exploration, extraction, refining, and production. It also involves active participation in mineral block auctions and the creation of advanced mining infrastructure to enhance resource utilization and efficiency.
Under the MoU, RITES will offer end-to-end consultancy and logistics solutions to HCL, including project planning, development of transport infrastructure, multimodal logistics planning, and rolling stock support. These services aim to bolster HCL’s mining operations and promote seamless mineral transportation.
In a joint statement, the companies emphasized that the collaboration is intended to develop an integrated and self-reliant mineral value chain that not only ensures critical mineral security for India but also supports sustainable economic growth and enhances national resilience.
Hindustan Copper Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, is India’s only vertically integrated copper producer, engaged in activities ranging from mining and beneficiation to smelting, refining, and the production of copper wire rods. The company operates facilities across several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
RITES Limited
Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) Limited, is an Indian public sector undertaking and engineering consultancy corporation, specializing in the field of transport infrastructure. Established in 1974 by the Indian Railways, the company’s initial charter was to provide consultancy services in rail transport management to operators in India and abroad. RITES has since diversified into planning and consulting services for other infrastructure, including airports, ports, highways and urban planning.
Hindustan Copper Limited
Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, and the country’s only vertically integrated copper producer. It is involved in mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining, and continuous cast rod manufacturing.
