Tamil Nadu Green Copper Plant Gets New Lease of Life: Industry Hails Madras HC Verdict
Image Source: Internet
The Madras High Court's recent verdict has sparked hope for a cleaner and more sustainable copper production industry in Tamil Nadu. Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit has been given the green light to formally apply for its proposed green copper plant in Tuticorin, a move that could support regional economic revival and help India achieve its copper sector ambitions. The court's directive, issued on January 29, 2026, allows regulators to examine a reimagined production model aligned with global environmental standards and India's growing demand for copper. Industry captains welcome the move, citing its potential to reinforce domestic supply resilience and support long-term industrial development. The proposed green copper plant plans to transition from a fully concentrate-based smelting process to a hybrid system using 70% concentrate and 30% recycled copper, supported by advanced technologies from Germany and Sweden. This model aims to blend primary copper concentrate with low-carbon recycled copper, enabling a circular economy integration and a substantially lower environmental footprint. The proposal also places strong emphasis on local and community-level outcomes, including sharing surplus treated water with nearby villages, creating structured platforms for community participation, and setting aside a dedicated corpus for sustained local development. Experts believe that the reopening of the plant with cleaner technology can revive direct employment and support allied industries, ultimately restoring livelihoods across the region. 'Copper is critical for a decarbonising economy,' said Mayur Karmarkar, Member, International Copper Association India. 'Without sustainable supply, price volatility will hurt India's growth. Environmentally responsible produced copper is the way forward for India's growth.' As the industry looks to a cleaner and more sustainable future, the Madras High Court's verdict is seen as a significant step towards achieving India's copper sector ambitions and supporting regional economic revival.
