State-owned Nalco plans to begin operations at its Pottangi bauxite mines in Odisha by June next year as part of its strategy to boost mining capacity and expand its integrated aluminium business.

Nalco CMD Brijendra Pratap Singh said Dilip Buildcon has been selected as the lowest bidder for developing and operating the mine, adding that the project is progressing toward the targeted start date. The company is increasing alumina output at its Damanjodi refinery by installing a fifth stream which will add one MTPA to its existing 2.275 MTPA capacity. The Odisha government has granted a 50-year mining lease over nearly 698 hectares at Pottangi to ensure steady supply for the expanded refinery.

CMD Singh said bauxite availability will remain uninterrupted even if production begins later, noting, “Already we have a separate project where alternate sourcing of bauxite is there.” Nalco’s ongoing capacity expansion is expected to strengthen its aluminium leadership and support Odisha’s industrial growth.