Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has resumed operations at its Surda copper mine in Jharkhand, with plans to expand production over the next several years. The reopening of the mine is expected to generate around Rs 100 crore in annual revenue, according to a press release issued by the company.
At present, the Surda mine has a production capacity of 0.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). HCL aims to increase this to 0.9 mtpa over the next seven years. Additionally, the Jharkhand government has recently approved lease extensions for HCL’s Kendadih and Rakha mines. These mines are expected to reopen later this year, potentially creating 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs in the region. The production at the Indian Copper Complex, which includes these mines, is projected to triple as a result.
HCL Chairman and Managing Director Ghanshyam Sharma said that the resumed Surda operations will provide direct employment for around 1,100 people and indirect employment for about 5,000 more in the surrounding areas. The company also plans to invest Rs 50 crore in mining operations during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The reopening event was attended by various officials, including Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, and representatives from the Jharkhand government.