National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) remains undeterred by the recent US tariff hike, asserting that it will have no impact on its business operations. Instead, the company is pivoting its focus toward the United Kingdom, leveraging zero-tariff trade opportunities to tap into the growing demand for aluminium in electric vehicles and solar panels.
NALCO’s Chairman and Managing Director, Brijendra Pratap Singh, announced these developments at the Media Connect-2025 press conference held at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar.
Singh revealed that NALCO is on track to operationalise its Pottangi bauxite mine in Odisha’s Koraput district by June 2026. The geo-tendering process for the mine is slated for September or October 2025, with an annual production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes and an estimated reserve of 111 million tonnes. The company plans to invest ₹1,961 crore in this project, which is expected to strengthen its supply chain for its alumina refinery and aluminium smelter.
Financially, NALCO reported a stellar performance in the first quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, with profits soaring 77% to ₹1,064 crore from ₹601 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter stood at ₹3,807 crore. Singh highlighted record sales of alumina and aluminium in both domestic and export markets, underscoring the company’s robust market presence.
Looking ahead, NALCO has ambitious expansion plans, with a ₹34,600 crore investment lined up by 2030. This includes ₹5,600 crore for a fifth-stream alumina refinery in Damanjodi, ₹17,000 crore for a 0.5 MTPA aluminium smelter in Angul, and ₹12,000 crore for a 1,080 MW captive power plant. Detailed project reports for these initiatives will be prepared by the third quarter of 2025-26 for board approval.
“The UK’s demand for aluminium in green energy sectors offers a significant opportunity for NALCO,” Singh said. “The US tariff hike will not affect us, as we are exploring zero-tariff markets like the UK to expand our footprint.” With India’s aluminium consumption projected to reach 7.5-8 million tonnes by 2030, NALCO is poised to lead the global aluminium industry through strategic investments and operational excellence.
Currently, NALCO operates the Panchpatmali bauxite mine with a 7.5 MTPA capacity, supporting its 2.1 MTPA alumina refinery in Damanjodi, 0.46 MTPA aluminium smelter in Angul, and a 1,200 MW captive power plant. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation positions it to meet rising domestic and global demand effectively.
