Stakes rise for bauxite blocks in Odisha on Adani Group's entry

In the aluminium sector, as things stand, Hindalco and Nalco are the only players that are completely integrated -- from bauxite to alumina to aluminium

The next auction for bauxite blocks in Odisha may see heightened interest with Adani Group charting an entry into alumina refining and existing players looking to boost capacity.

Hemant Sharma, principal secretary, Odisha industries department, said that three bauxite blocks have been scheduled for auctions this year.

Adani Group – which will be setting up a 4-MMTPA alumina refinery and may enter aluminium production – is expected to bid for mines, though raw material linkages shall be available from Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). The sheer size of the proposed project may warrant raw material security.

“Securing bauxite supply will be