Hindustan Copper Shifts to Underground Mining, Aims to Double Output Amid Surging Infra Demand.

In a pivotal transformation for India's mining industry, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has successfully transitioned its flagship Malanjkhand mine from an open-cast operation to a fully underground one. This significant development was announced on Saturday during a site visit by HCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Kumar Singh, who outlined the company's ambitious plans for dramatically increasing copper production.

"For the year 2024-25, our entire production from Malanjkhand has come from underground mining," stated CMD Singh, highlighting the completion of the operational shift. He further elaborated on HCL's aggressive growth targets, noting, "We are currently producing around 4 million tonnes, and we aim to double this to nearly 12 million tonnes within the next six years."

This strategic move to underground mining is expected to provide long-term sustainability for the Malanjkhand operation, a critical asset for India's copper supply. The increased output comes at a crucial time, as India's infrastructure development continues to surge, driving significant demand for essential metals like copper.