The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, DEC 22, 2023
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Aditya Birla Group’s Aditya Alumina Refinery (HINDALCO) and Apparel Unit to be setup by Utkal Alumina Social Welfare Foundation. The event was attended by Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and HINDALCO Industries Ltd. Managing Director Satish Pai among others.
This groundbreaking ceremony serves as a testament to the government’s proactive measures in faster implementation of projects within the framework of the 5T initiative.
On October 5, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Hindalco Industries Limited to establish a long-term linkage for raw materials for the HINDALCO Alumina Refinery at Kanshariguda in Rayagada.
Odisha, the pioneering state in the mineral-based industries, has further bolstered its economic profile with the establishment of an Alumina Refinery by Hindalco Industries. This project is set to yield an impressive 2 MTPA capacity of refined alumina from bauxite ore, the strategic move not only reaffirms Odisha’s leadership in mineral-driven enterprises but also emerges as a mega project poised to employ 4000 people in Rayagada district thus providing a livelihood for families in the region.
In addition, Aditya Birla Group has committed to set up an apparel manufacturing unit at Phuljuba village in Rayagada with a capacity to manufacture 36 lakh shirts annually. This facility will create employment opportunities for 3000 local youth. Importantly, this initiative focuses on maximizing the participation of women in the workforce, contributing to the empowerment of Rayagada’s local communities.
Speaking on the groundbreaking ceremony, Chief Minister Patnaik said, “With the implementation of the Long-term Linkage Policy for Minerals – 2023, Odisha has positioned itself as the investors’ preferred destination for sustainable industrial growth”.
“My government is committed to the growth of Koraput and Rayagada district and its people. We will work with the Aditya Birla Group to ensure the smooth implementation of this project that will create employment opportunities in both the districts and will encourage economic growth in our state,” he added.
On the occasion, Kumar Mangalam Birla said, “Today marks another new chapter in the Odisha growth story as we celebrate the laying of the foundation stone here in Kanshariguda for Hindalco’s second alumina refinery in the state. The 2-MTPA Aditya Alumina refinery will play an important role in driving the aluminium value chain. It will also shine a spotlight on the state of Odisha. The metal born here will be of national significance, used in critical applications such as space, defence, aerospace and pharma.”
Odisha has emerged as an exemplar of inclusive development, fostering an atmosphere conducive to industrial expansion and innovation. The state’s dedication to advancement has not only drawn in businesses but has also nurtured the potential of both existing and prospective entrepreneurs. The Government of Odisha has diligently endeavoured to establish a business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth and overall development in the state. This partnership with the Aditya Birla Group marks another significant milestone in the ongoing journey to unlock and realize Odisha’s vast potential.
