Codelco to Supply Copper Concentrates to Adani Group’s Kutch Copper Smelter

Chile's state-owned Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, has announced it will begin supplying copper concentrates this year to India’s Adani Group for its $1.2 billion Kutch Copper smelter in Gujarat. The smelter, recognized as the world’s largest single-location facility of its kind, began operations in 2024. The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Codelco chairman Máximo Pacheco and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani at the conglomerate’s headquarters in Ahmedabad.

India’s copper imports have surged since the 2018 closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper smelter, which previously accounted for 40% of domestic production. Currently, Hindalco Industries and Hindustan Copper are the only major copper producers in India. The partnership with Codelco is expected to help bridge the supply gap created by growing demand for copper in sectors such as renewable energy and electric vehicles.

In addition to the Adani partnership, Codelco has signed a preliminary agreement with Hindustan Copper to collaborate on mineral exploration and processing. This move further strengthens Codelco’s presence in India’s copper industry.