Adani Enterprises and IRH sign MoU for USD 11.5 billion aluminium project in Odisha
Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and International Resources Holding (IRH), the Abu Dhabi-based natural resources investment platform through 2PointZero, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha on Thursday to develop a USD 11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in the state.
The project, valued at around Rs 1.08 lakh crore, will be executed through a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Enterprises and IRH. It is expected to become Odisha's largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposal and India's largest foreign direct investment in the metallurgy sector.
Project components and phases
The proposed project includes a 4 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) alumina refinery, a 2 MMTPA aluminium smelter, a 4,000-megawatt captive power plant, and a 1 MMTPA downstream manufacturing park, along with supporting infrastructure. It will be developed in two phases, with investments of about Rs 66,000 crore in Phase I and Rs 44,000 crore in Phase II.
Employment generation and economic impact
According to the companies, the investment is expected to generate around 53,500 jobs. During the construction phase, the project is expected to create about 35,000 jobs, while mining, alumina refining, aluminium production, and downstream manufacturing operations are expected to support another 18,500 jobs. It is also expected to generate indirect employment in logistics, engineering, maintenance, and ancillary industries.
Official statements and strategic significance
The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, and senior government officials. Chief Minister Majhi said, "Today marks Odisha's entry into the global aluminium supply chain. Already India's leading hub for metals and mineral-based industries, the state is now poised to become a global centre for aluminium and value-added manufacturing. This investment will enable Odisha to develop the complete aluminium value chain, from mining and refining to smelting and downstream manufacturing, creating greater value within the state. It is an important step towards Samruddha Odisha 2036 and our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047."
Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and Director, Adani Cement, said, "The proposed project reflects our confidence in Odisha as a long-term manufacturing destination. The proposed JV between Adani Group and IHC Group will further strengthen our robust partnership. Together with the Government of Odisha, we will build an integrated aluminium ecosystem that creates jobs, expands value-added manufacturing and strengthens India's industrial competitiveness."
Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said the partnership reflects the group's strategy of investing in industries that will shape the future global economy. "Through IRH, we are building an integrated mining and minerals business, investing across critical minerals to support industrial development, strengthen supply chain resilience and advance the energy transition. This partnership with Adani Enterprises reflects that strategy and our shared ambition to develop a world-class integrated aluminium project that creates lasting economic value," he said.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the investment reflects growing confidence in Odisha's industrial ecosystem and assured that the state government will facilitate timely approvals for the project.
Downstream manufacturing and MSME growth
According to the companies, the downstream manufacturing park is expected to attract manufacturers producing components for transport, construction, power, packaging, renewable energy, and advanced engineering, while supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Home to some of India's largest bauxite reserves, Odisha is already a major producer of alumina and aluminium. The companies said the project will strengthen the state's position in the global aluminium supply chain by integrating the entire value chain from mining to downstream manufacturing.
Next steps
Following the signing of the MoU, the joint venture partners and the Odisha government will begin the next phase of the project, including land acquisition, statutory approvals, and infrastructure planning.
