Why in news?
The Ministry of Mines released the Aluminium Vision Document 2047 in July 2025, outlining strategies to transform India into a global aluminium hub by mid‑century.
Targets and strategies
- Six‑fold expansion: Increase aluminium production capacity from about 4 million tonnes per year currently to 25 million tonnes by 2047. Domestic bauxite mining must rise from 25 million tonnes to 160 million tonnes to feed smelters.
- Downstream value addition: Encourage production of rolled products, extrusions, foil and castings used in automobiles, packaging, construction and aerospace.
- Green technologies: Promote energy‑efficient smelters, recycling and carbon capture. Aluminium production is energy‑intensive; adopting renewable energy and modern smelting technologies will reduce emissions.
- Circular economy: Increase recycling rates from the current 35 percent to 85 percent. Secondary aluminium production uses only 5 percent of the energy required for primary smelting.
- Policy reforms: Simplify land acquisition, environment clearances and export procedures. Offer incentives for research and development, skill development and cluster‑based industrial parks.
Importance
- Clean energy transition: Aluminium is essential for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and high‑voltage transmission lines. Expanding production aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments.
- Economic growth: The sector could contribute nearly US $40 billion to GDP and create over 1 million jobs across mining, smelting and downstream industries.
- Technological innovation: Developing advanced alloys and composites can support defence, space and emerging technologies.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Self‑sufficiency in aluminium will reduce import dependence and enhance strategic autonomy.
