Supporting India’s GDP, Energy Transition and Employment
Given India’s push for the EV sector and renewable energy goals, understanding the growing importance of copper is more crucial than ever. According to the Ministry of Mines, India’s per capita consumption currently stands at 0.6 kg. This constitutes a minor share when compared with the global average of 3.2 kg. However, the country’s copper demand is expected to double by 2030 amid the ongoing energy transition, reported Reuters.
Another benefit of producing copper domestically is that the country will not only save on imports but also reduce direct expenses by extracting numerous by-products such as gold, silver, selenium, tellurium, platinum group metals, nickel and sulphuric acid (pyro-smelting). These are used widely in fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, according to the 2025 Vision Document on Copper Sector published by the Ministry of Mines. Retaining this economic value domestically supports wider GDP growth.
The Kutch Copper smelter will generate 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities, boosting Gujarat’s economy. In addition to the facility, Adani’s forward integration strategy to add copper tubes to its portfolio further strengthens supply chain jobs in heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration sectors.