Vedanta Expands Metals Exploration Across India to Secure Critical Minerals

Vedanta

Multi-state exploration strengthens Vedanta’s role in clean energy supply chains

Vedanta expands metals exploration across six Indian states in a strategic push to secure critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. The company is targeting copper, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, chromium, and PGEs in regions including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. This initiative aligns with India’s growing focus on mineral self-sufficiency and value chain localization.

Auction wins and value-added aluminum investment boost vertical integration

In the fourth round of India’s critical mineral auctions, Vedanta secured four mineral blocks. These include vanadium and graphite in Arunachal Pradesh, and a polymetallic block with cobalt, manganese, and iron in Karnataka. Its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc (HZL) also won two tungsten blocks in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Alongside exploration, Vedanta is expanding downstream capabilities—targeting over 90% value-added aluminum output through investments in billets, foundry alloys, rolled products, and wire rods.

Zinc alloy innovation and aluminum capex signal industrial diversification

HZL is diversifying zinc use cases beyond steel galvanization by launching a 30,000-tonne zinc alloy facility. Meanwhile, Vedanta is investing $1.5 billion to expand aluminum smelting and rolling capacity, including a major upgrade at its Odisha plant. These developments aim to deepen Vedanta’s footprint in aerospace, defense, solar, EVs, and battery infrastructure—critical to India's low-carbon ambitions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Vedanta’s aggressive critical mineral exploration and aluminum investments reflect India’s urgent drive to localize energy transition supply chains. With a diversified portfolio and state-backed auction wins, Vedanta is positioning itself as a key pillar in India's clean energy industrial ecosystem.