By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, November 13, 2026: The Aluminium major National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), has recorded its highest-ever half-yearly financial performance since inception during H1 FY 2026-27, while implementing major capacity expansion plans in Odisha.

In a bid to strengthen India’s aluminium sector, advance mineral self-reliance and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the public sector giant is stressing on capacity expansion, overseas mineral partnerships, technological innovation and inclusive development initiatives, according to NALCO Chairman and Managing director Brijendra Pratap Singh on Friday said.

Addressing the Media Connect 2026 programme in Bhubaneswar, Singh outlined the company’s growth strategy, expansion projects and initiatives in sustainability and critical mineral security. Members of the Board of Directors and senior officials of NALCO were also present.

The CMD categorically denied shifting of the Angul aluminium smelting plant to Andhra Pradesh saying that that there was no such proposal and reiterated NALCO’s commitment to expanding its operations in Odisha, including the proposed brownfield smelter expansion at Angul.

During H1 FY 2026-27, NALCO achieved an all-time high total income of ₹11,143 crore, registering a growth of 33% over the corresponding period of the previous year. EBITDA increased by 50% to ₹5,539 crore, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose by 55% to ₹5,160 crore. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₹3,837 crore, registering a growth of 54%. The company also recorded its highest-ever half-yearly aluminium cast metal production of 2.35 lakh tonnes.

Outlining the expansion roadmap, the CMD informed that operationalisation of the Pottangi Bauxite Mines, expected within the next two to three months, and would increase NALCO’s bauxite production from around 7 million tonnes to over 10 million tonnes. The commencement of the fifth stream of the Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi would enhance alumina production capacity from 2.1 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes.

The proposed 0.5 MTPA brownfield aluminium smelter expansion project at Angul, supported by a technology licensing arrangement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), will nearly double NALCO’s existing smelting capacity from 0.46 MTPA to around 1 MTPA. The project is targeted for commissioning by December 2030. A 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant is also planned through a 50:50 joint venture with NLC India Limited to ensure power security and support the expanded smelter.

On critical mineral security, the CMD highlighted NALCO’s role in Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture in which NALCO holds a 40% stake, established to secure strategic mineral resources from overseas. KABIL has secured five lithium exploration blocks in Argentina’s Catamarca province. Non-invasive exploration has indicated the presence of lithium, and drilling operations are expected to commence shortly, with exploration targeted for completion by the end of 2027.

A pilot plant is also planned to assess lithium grade and establish the process for producing lithium carbonate. KABIL is also exploring opportunities in Argentina’s Salta province and potential equity partnerships in producing lithium mines in countries including Argentina, Chile and Australia.

NALCO is also pursuing the recovery of critical minerals from industrial waste. A pilot plant for gallium recovery from red mud is being developed at Damanjodi in collaboration with BARC and other institutions. Initiatives are also underway to recover rare earth elements, scandium, alumina and ferro-titanium from red mud and fly ash in collaboration with research institutions.

Reaffirming its sustainability commitment, NALCO aims to source 25-30% of its total power requirement from green energy by 2030 through renewable energy procurement, rooftop solar and wind power initiatives. The company is also pursuing digital transformation through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to improve operational efficiency.

The company is strengthening its CSR initiatives in healthcare, education, skill development, women empowerment and infrastructure development. Around 100 youths from Angul and Damanjodi were trained in technical trades and facilitated with employment opportunities in various organisations.