Vedanta Aluminium expands Lanjigarh refinery to 5 MTPA, boosts India’s global rank

Vedanta Aluminium has completed a major expansion at its Lanjigarh alumina refinery in Odisha, raising its annual production capacity to 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from the previous 2 MTPA.

The capacity addition is a critical milestone for India’s metals sector. With the upgraded Lanjigarh facility now online, India’s total national alumina refining capacity has touched nearly 13 MTPA, positioning the country to overtake competitors and become the world’s third-largest producer of the key aluminium feedstock.

Record output

The operational ramp-up is already yielding results. Vedanta reported that the refinery achieved its highest-ever monthly production of 254 kilotonnes in November 2025. This represents an 8% month-on-month increase and a massive 68% surge compared to November 2024.

“This expansion is not just about scale; it is about supply chain resilience,” the company stated. By securing a steady stream of high-quality alumina, Vedanta aims to insulate its downstream smelters from global price shocks while catering to the rising demand for aluminium in EVs, renewable energy, and aerospace.

Odisha as a metal hub

Initiated in 2020, the expansion project underscores Odisha’s growing dominance in India’s mineral landscape. The increased throughput at Lanjigarh is expected to drive ancillary economic growth in the Kalahandi district, creating jobs and boosting logistics demand.

Analysts view the move as strategically vital. As global supply chains diversify away from traditional hubs, India’s ability to refine its own bauxite into alumina reduces import dependence and enhances the competitiveness of its final aluminium products on the world stage.

Brief Summary

Vedanta Aluminium has expanded its Lanjigarh refinery capacity to 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), boosting India’s total alumina capacity to nearly 13 MTPA. The facility hit record production levels in November. The move strengthens India’s position as the world’s third-largest alumina producer and secures raw material supply for domestic aluminium smelters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What did Vedanta announce?

Vedanta Aluminium has expanded the capacity of its alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha, from 2 MTPA to 5 MTPA. This makes it one of the largest single-location refineries in the world.

Q2: Why is Alumina important?

Alumina is the intermediate product between Bauxite ore and Aluminium metal. You cannot make aluminium without it. Having domestic refining capacity ensures that Indian smelters don’t have to rely on expensive imports.

Q3: How does this help India?

With this expansion, India’s total capacity reaches ~13 MTPA, making it the 3rd largest producer globally. This aligns with the “Make in India” goal of reducing raw material imports and boosting exports of finished goods.

Q4: Is the plant fully operational?

Yes. The ramp-up is effective immediately. In November 2025, the plant already produced a record 254 kilotonnes of alumina, a 68% jump from last year.

Q5: What sectors benefit?

Automotive, aerospace, construction, and power transmission industries all need aluminium. A stable domestic supply of alumina keeps costs predictable for these industries.