Sunday Special by THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), the country’s only state-owned integrated copper producer, has recorded an impressive performance in FY25–26, underpinned by operational efficiency, robust demand, and bold expansion plans.

As India advances towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Hindustan Copper’s role has become increasingly strategic. Copper, being a key enabler of clean energy, electric mobility, digitization, and defense, forms the backbone of sustainable economic growth. HCL’s efforts in expanding domestic capacity, diversifying into critical and strategic minerals, and building global partnerships directly support the nation’s goals of energy security, industrial self-reliance, and technological advancement.

In the fourth quarter of FY25, HCL’s consolidated net profit surged 51.8 per cent year-on-year to ₹189.48 crore, compared to ₹124.75 crore in the same period last year. Consolidated income for the quarter touched ₹777.28 crore against ₹585.22 crore in Q4 FY24.

The momentum carried into Q1 FY26, where net profit rose 18.4 per cent to ₹134.28 crore, and revenue grew 4.6 per cent to ₹516.37 crore. Profit before tax stood at ₹179.36 crore, up 16.37 per cent year-on-year. The company’s EBITDA margin expanded to 41 per cent, its highest in several quarters, supported by cost efficiency and steady copper prices.

HCL has earmarked a capital expenditure of ₹350 crore in FY26, with volumes projected to grow by nearly 20 per cent. The company expects to maintain margins above 40 per cent, supported by mine expansions and stable pricing.

Copper demand in India is projected to accelerate in the coming decade, driven by growth in renewable energy projects, the push for electric vehicles, and large-scale infrastructure expansion. This has prompted Hindustan Copper to look at aggressive investments and expansions, including fundraising plans approved by the Board and overseas ventures aimed at securing critical minerals. The company said India’s copper consumption will grow in line with economic expansion and the energy transition. To meet this rising demand, HCL plans to expand existing mines, commission new projects, and strengthen partnerships both in India and abroad. According to its Annual Report FY25, HCL aims to raise its ore production capacity from 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 12.2 MTPA by 2030–31.

Beyond numbers, HCL is scripting a broader growth story through strategic collaborations and forward-looking initiatives. Recently, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oil India Limited to jointly explore and develop critical and strategic minerals, aligning with the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission. Similarly, a technical collaboration MoU was signed with GAIL (India) Limited for copper and allied mineral projects, both within India and overseas.

On the global front, HCL engaged in strategic discussions with Normet Group Oy’s Board in New Delhi, exploring technology-driven partnerships for sustainable mining. These dialogues reflect HCL’s ambition to harness innovation and global expertise to strengthen India’s copper and mineral ecosystem.

The company’s mining footprint continues to expand. The Rakha Mining Lease deed was executed in Jamshedpur, paving the way for the reopening of a mine that has been dormant for over two decades. Additionally, the Kendadih mining lease secured environmental clearance over 1,139.60 hectares, enabling its restart under the Indian Copper Complex in Jharkhand. HCL also awarded a ₹2,700 crore tender to South West Mining Limited for expanding Rakha mine, developing a new underground mine at Chapri, and establishing a concentrator plant.

These milestones are supported by proactive government backing. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s clearance for Rakha and Kendadih projects is expected to contribute significantly to East Singhbhum district’s development while reinforcing the domestic copper supply chain.

HCL has also prioritized employee welfare and social responsibility. At its Gujarat Copper Project in Bharuch, staff actively participated in the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 initiative. The company recently introduced a Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy offering ₹20 lakh coverage to all contractual workers while on duty, reflecting its commitment to inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, HCL is set to host an International Seminar on Critical and Strategic Minerals on its 59th Foundation Day in November 2025. The event will spotlight sustainable mining, processing technologies, and global partnerships, in sync with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Despite challenges at certain non-operational units in Jhagadia and Ghatsila, HCL continues to leverage its mining strength at Malanjkhand, Khetri, and Ghatsila, alongside wire rod production at Taloja. The Board has recommended a final dividend of ₹1.46 per equity share for FY25 and proposed raising up to ₹500 crore through debentures to fuel expansion.

With the Government of India holding a 66.14 per cent stake, Hindustan Copper stands as a pillar of India’s mineral sector. Its renewed focus on mine expansion, strategic partnerships, and critical mineral exploration firmly positions the company to play a defining role in building a self-reliant and technologically advanced India.

Disclaimer: The above article is based on information available from public sources and internet data as of September 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the publication does not take responsibility for any inadvertent errors or subsequent updates.