Hindustan Copper Ltd is reviving Jharkhand’s Rakha and Kendadih mines with a Rs. 2,700 crore investment, aiming to boost copper production and create 10,000 jobs. A new concentrator plant will be set up, and underground mining will extend the mines’ operational life to over 50 years.
Jharkhand’s mineral-rich land is once again ready to buzz with activity as Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a central public sector company, has launched a major revival and expansion plan for its copper mining operations in the state. The company is set to reopen its Rakha and Kendadih mines in East Singhbhum district after nearly two decades, with a projected investment of Rs. 2,700 crore and the potential to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. This ambitious initiative is part of HCL’s long-term strategy to ramp up its overall ore production capacity from 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 12.2 MTPA by FY 2030-31, in view of the country’s rising demand for refined copper.
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Reviving Jharkhand’s Copper Heartland
The Rakha and Kendadih mines, located within HCL’s Indian Copper Complex near Ghatsila, East Singhbhum have been key players in India’s copper production history. However, operations at Rakha were suspended back in 2001 due to economic unviability. Now, both mines are being revived with a shift from opencast to underground mining methods, which will ensure a longer operational lifespan, estimated at over 50 years. Once operational, the Kendadih mine will start with an annual capacity of 0.22 MTPA, eventually scaling up to 0.45 MTPA. The Rakha mine is expected to peak at 3 MTPA production capacity. The reopening is currently going through the process of lease finalization with the Jharkhand Government, and necessary environmental clearances are under review by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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New Concentrator Plant and MDO Appointed
As part of the expansion drive, HCL has also announced the setting up of a new concentrator plant with a capacity of 3 MTPA at the Rakha mine. This modern facility will help in processing the ore extracted from the mine, enhancing production efficiency. To carry out this large-scale project, South West Mining Ltd (SWML) has been appointed as the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO). In addition to reviving Rakha, SWML will also develop a new underground mine at Chapri and oversee the commissioning of the new concentrator plant. The project is planned for a period of 20 years, extendable by another 10 years based on performance and viability.
Why This Matters for India and Jharkhand
India’s demand for refined copper stood at 1.3 million tonnes in 2023-24, and it is expected to double to 2.6 million tonnes by 2030. This surge is being driven by the country’s fast-growing sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, construction, and electronics. Jharkhand, already known for its rich mineral resources, stands to benefit immensely from this expansion, not just in terms of industrial growth, but also employment and local economic development. The project is expected to create around 10000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, boosting the region’s economy and reducing migration.
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The Project is a Landmark Move for Jharkhand: Union Minister
A senior HCL official said, “We are committed to boosting domestic copper production to reduce import dependency. Jharkhand is a key state in this mission, and the revival of Rakha and Kendadih will play a critical role.” Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who was present during the MDO agreement signing in Ranchi, hailed the project as a landmark move for the mineral-rich state.
The Rakha and Kendadih projects are part of a larger national copper development strategy, which also includes a Rs. 7,400 crore concentrator plant at Malanjkhand in Madhya Pradesh. While that is expected to take shape next year, the immediate focus is clearly on Jharkhand, where the groundwork has already begun. With the revival of these mines, Jharkhand is poised to reclaim its historic role as a major hub for copper mining and processing in India.
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