JSW Group plans Rs 2,600 crore copper mining investment in Jharkhand

JSW Group has announced a significant investment of Rs 2,600 crore to develop two copper mines and establish a concentrator plant in Jharkhand, marking its entry into the non-ferrous metals sector. The project, awarded through a competitive bidding process by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), includes a 20-year Mine Operator and Developer (MDO) contract, with an option for a 10-year extension. Once operational, the mines are expected to have a capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and are anticipated to commence partial operations in the second half of the financial year 2026-27. This strategic move aims to reduce India's dependency on copper imports and support industrial growth, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Parth Jindal of JSW emphasized the importance of domestic copper production to bolster India's infrastructure and technological advancement. The investment reflects JSW's commitment to diversifying its operations and enhancing resource availability.