The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, JULY 3, 2025
In a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainable livelihoods and eco-friendly practices, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, one of India’s largest rural women’s cooperatives. This partnership will pave the way for the establishment of a women-led fly ash brick manufacturing facility in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The facility is set to produce nearly one crore bricks annually, with a daily output capacity of over 25,000 bricks.
Under the MoU, Vedanta Aluminium will provide the fly ash — a by-product of its mega aluminium plant — free of cost to the cooperative. This initiative not only contributes to the circular economy by repurposing industrial by-products but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women in the region. The entire facility will be managed by members of the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, which comprises over 5,000 women across 440+ Self Help Groups.
In addition to supporting the installation and commissioning of the brick manufacturing unit, Vedanta will offer technical training to the cooperative members and ensure third-party quality testing of the bricks, enhancing the technical skills of the women and boosting their confidence in handling advanced manufacturing processes.
VA – Landscape mailers – 1
Fly ash, a by-product of thermal power generation, is increasingly being utilized for sustainable applications such as brick production, cement manufacturing, and road construction. Vedanta has already made significant strides in utilizing fly ash, supplying over 1.5 million tonnes to major cement manufacturers and 3 million tonnes to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for road-building projects since March 2022. The company recently marked the dispatch of its 650th fly ash rake from Jharsuguda, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable industrial practices.
Sharing his views on the initiative, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium said: “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that shared progress lies in empowering communities while also ensuring responsible industrial practices. By repurposing industrial by-products like fly ash into eco-friendly building materials, we are not only contributing to a circular economy but also creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for thousands of rural women. This initiative is an apt reflection of our commitment to inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and long-term community development.”
Pankajini Oram, President of the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “This partnership with Vedanta Aluminium marks a new chapter in our journey of empowerment. The upcoming brick manufacturing unit will provide stable income and valuable technical skills to our members. For many of us, this is not just an opportunity for livelihood, but a chance to drive change in our communities and contribute to a sustainable future.”
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to community development is reflected in its numerous initiatives aimed at promoting education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, women and child development, and grassroots sports. The company’s holistic approach to social and economic upliftment aligns with its overarching goal of fostering sustainable development and empowering local communities.
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, remains India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of the country’s aluminium production (2.42 million tonnes in FY25). The company is a leader in value-added aluminium products that serve critical industries. Notably, Vedanta Aluminium ranked 2nd in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium industry, underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
