Strategic Expansion in Dammam
Vedanta, under the leadership of Anil Agarwal, is set to establish a 100,000-tonne continuous copper rod plant in Saudi Arabia. This venture, driven by Malco Energy’s new entity Vedanta Copper International VCI Company Limited, will be situated in Dammam. The initiative aims to cater to the increasing demand for high-quality wire rod, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision for economic diversification and enhanced domestic manufacturing and industrial development.
Global Footprint and Indian Operations
Vedanta’s copper business extends across India, with facilities in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, and Silvassa. It also operates internationally in the UAE and Zambia. The proposed plant in Saudi Arabia represents a significant expansion of Vedanta’s global operations, especially notable since the suspension of operations at its Tuticorin plant in 2018 over environmental issues.
Government Collaboration and Market Impact
Deputy CEO of Vedanta’s Copper Sector, Puneet Khurana, emphasizes the Saudi government’s policy of encouraging industrial participation, highlighting the expected role of the metal and mining industry in the Kingdom’s economic advancement. Projected for completion by the fourth quarter of FY’24, Vedanta plans to explore additional opportunities in the copper value chain in Saudi Arabia. This development is poised to fortify India-Saudi relations and boost regional manufacturing to meet increasing demand.
Prospects for India’s Copper Industry
In India, the Copper Industry is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming decade. Vedanta aims to account for around 45% of the domestic market share by 2030, equivalent to approximately ₹9,092 crore (USD 1.09 billion). This growth strategy reflects Vedanta’s commitment to fulfilling the rising copper demands both nationally and regionally.
