Bhuj: Kutch Copper, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, commissioned the first unit of its greenfield copper refinery project at Mundra on Thursday by dispatching the maiden batch of cathodes to customers. This marks the Adani Portfolio’s debut in the metal industry.

Adani Enterprises said it is investing nearly $1.2 billion to set up a copper smelter with 0.5 MTPA capacity in the first phase. On completion of the second phase that will add similar capacity, Kutch Copper, with 1 MTPA, will be the world’s largest single-location custom smelter. It will create 2,000 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities.

The demand for copper will be driven by renewable energy, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and the development of power transmission and distribution networks.

Kutch Copper is working towards establishing Kutch Copper Tubes Limited as part of its forward integration strategy to add copper tubes to its portfolio. The tubes will cater to applications in air conditioning and refrigeration.

“With Kutch Copper commencing operations, the Adani portfolio of companies is not only entering the metals sector but also driving India’s leap towards a sustainable and aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) future,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group.

The company in a release stated – One-third of the plant area has been designated as green belt space, and 15% of the capital has been allocated towards environmental protection. The plant has implemented a zero-liquid discharge model and uses desalinated water for operations. It also recycles treated wastewater within processes to reduce waste. DeshGujarat