Hindalco Industries, which is already in the midst of expanding the capacity of its Dahej Smelter in Gujarat, has planned to expand capacity by a further 2 lakh tpa.

The ongoing project entails expansion of capacity from 1.5 lakh tpa to 2.5 lakh tpa. Mechanical completion of the project has been achieved and the project is headed for commissioning by March 2004.

Hindalco has now planned to expand capacity by another 2 to 2.5 lakh tpa, taking the total copper smelting capacity to around 5 lakh tpa. The project, including setting up of captive power plants and related facilities, is expected to cost around Rs.2,500 crore. The detailed feasibility report of the extension project has been completed.

The company would also acquire copper mines in Australia with a view to meeting the increased requirement of copper concentrates. It may be recalled that Hindalco, in the recent past, acquired two copper mines in Australia -- Nifty Mines and Mt Gordon Mines -- for a total consideration of Rs.100 crore.

Hindalco has planned to source 40 per cent of its copper concentrate requirement through its captive mines. The present level of self-reliance is 25 per cent.