Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd plans to set up a greenfield aluminium project, already looking for a bauxite mine

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited and India’s major coal-producing companies, is mulling to make a debut in aluminium business and soon setting up a greenfield project. Sources say the mini ratna company is looking to secure a bauxite mine for the purpose. 

In late 2021, Coal India’s board approved a pre-feasibility study for establishing an integrated aluminium project in Odisha. Earlier, the Coal Ministry suggested CIL venture into the aluminium and solar sectors and special purpose vehicles. 

Abiding by that, MCL is also reportedly aiming to build an INR 12,000 crore worth of power plant in Odisha to mark a start in power generation.

Coal India, in a regulatory filing in 2021, had already said its greenfield aluminium project would include bauxite mining, alumina refinery, aluminium smelter and a captive power plant by its wholly-owned subsidiary Mahanadi.