MoS Coal and Mines Inaugurates Revival of Kendadih Copper Mine, Boosting India’s Copper Self-Reliance

Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, laid the foundation stone for the revival of mining operations at the Kendadih Copper Mine of the Indian Copper Complex (ICC), a unit of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), in Jharkhand.

The ceremony was attended by Bidyut Baran Mahato, Member of Parliament from Jamshedpur, and Somesh Chandra Soren, MLA from Ghatsila, along with senior officials of Hindustan Copper Limited, including Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director; Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, Director (Operations); and Ghanshyam Das Gupta, Director (Mining).

The revival of Kendadih Mine is being viewed as a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic copper production and reduce dependence on imports. It also marks a new chapter in the rich mining heritage of the Singhbhum region.

Addressing local residents and stakeholders, Dubey said the region encompassing Musabani, Rakha, Surda, Kendadih and Ghatsila has played a vital role in India’s industrial development and nation-building journey. He highlighted that copper mined from the area has supported critical sectors such as railways, power, defence, telecommunications and infrastructure.

The Minister noted that Hindustan Copper Limited remains India’s only integrated copper mining company and emphasized copper’s growing importance in the country’s development. He also pointed out that HCL supplied copper used in the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Dubey said the reopening of Kendadih Mine would create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, with priority being given to local youth for skill development, technical training and jobs. He added that the project would contribute significantly to regional development and social prosperity.

A key feature of the revived project is that the underground mining operations will be fully electrified, reducing dependence on imported High-Speed Diesel (HSD), lowering operating costs and supporting environmentally sustainable mining practices.

Highlighting the strategic importance of copper, the Minister said global demand for the metal is rising rapidly due to its critical role in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, smart grids and modern infrastructure. He said projects such as Kendadih are essential for achieving India’s goal of self-reliance in critical minerals.

Dubey also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that development benefits reach local communities. He said HCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives would be expanded with special focus on tribal welfare, women empowerment and youth development.

On the occasion, MP Bidyut Baran Mahato lauded the collective efforts that led to the mine’s revival, while MLA Somesh Chandra Soren assured continued support for HCL’s developmental initiatives in the region.

As part of the event, the Minister inaugurated SATHEE, a programme launched by HCL in collaboration with IIT Kanpur to help underprivileged local students prepare for competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET. He also felicitated nursing students from nearby villages who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their education.

The revival of Kendadih Mine is expected to strengthen India’s copper production ecosystem while promoting sustainable mining, local employment and socio-economic development in Jharkhand’s mining belt.