Vedanta Aluminium Champions Research and Sustainable Innovation on National Science Day

Marking National Science Day, Vedanta Aluminium highlighted its commitment to advancing India’s scientific and technological progress through research-driven manufacturing, digital innovation, and applied engineering across its operations.

The company said its integrated scientific workforce — comprising metallurgists, chemists, process engineers, data scientists, and digital specialists — is playing a key role in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. More than 800 women professionals are currently working in core scientific, technical, digital, and engineering roles, accounting for nearly 20% of its scientific and technical workforce.

These teams are driving advancements in resource-efficient refining, materials science, energy optimisation, sustainable mining practices, industrial artificial intelligence, and digital manufacturing.

Among the notable innovations is a proprietary refining process developed by the company that reduces bauxite residue generation by nearly 30%, improves alumina recovery, and enhances sustainable refining practices. The company is also undertaking a pioneering research collaboration with ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) to convert red mud into a nutrient-rich growth medium aimed at land restoration and ecological rejuvenation.

Digital transformation remains central to Vedanta Aluminium’s scientific initiatives, with AI-enabled process optimisation, predictive maintenance, remote operations, and machine-learning-based monitoring systems being deployed across facilities. These initiatives are supported by the company’s dedicated research and development ecosystem, which enables collaboration with customers, academic institutions, and research partners to co-create customised product and process solutions.

This year’s National Science Day theme, “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” emphasises the growing role of women in India’s scientific and industrial future. Aligning with this vision, the company has expanded women’s participation across critical operational areas, including smelter lines, locomotive operations, power plant units, firefighting teams, security squads, instrumentation functions, and industrial automation roles.

Vedanta Aluminium has also set a target of achieving 20% gender diversity by 2030, reinforcing its focus on building an inclusive and future-ready scientific workforce aligned with national development priorities.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said science and technology will play a decisive role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are harnessing innovation, research, and modern engineering to enable sustainable development across our operations. The passion and expertise of our teams, including the growing number of women leading complex technical functions, strengthen resilience and provide a competitive advantage within the industrial ecosystem,” he said.

As India moves towards a knowledge-driven industrial future, the company said it remains focused on advancing research, technology development, and inclusive talent pathways that contribute to industrial growth, environmental stewardship, and global competitiveness.