Unlocking Odisha’s Bauxite: A strategic imperative for India’s Aluminium future

INDIA stands at the threshold of a transformative leap — one that depends not merely on ambition, but on the strategic utilization of its vast natural resources.

- PBD BUREAU

At the heart of this opportunity lies bauxite, the essential ore for aluminium, which powers key sectors like infrastructure, aerospace, defence, automotive, and clean energy. Despite ranking among the top holders of bauxite reserves globally, India remains surprisingly import-dependent. Nowhere is this paradox more pressing than in Odisha, India’s mineral-rich heartland. It is time to move from untapped potential to strategic execution.

The Bauxite Paradox: Surplus Beneath, Shortage Above

India holds an estimated 5 billion tonnes of bauxite, about 8% of the world’s total, yet only 13% has been explored and converted into reserves. Even this limited assessment puts India on par with countries like China in terms of volume, but the outcomes could not be more different. China has leveraged its reserves to become the world’s largest aluminium producer, while India contributes just 6% to global bauxite output.

Meanwhile, import dependence is surging at an alarming rate. In 2023-24, India imported over 4.4 million tonnes of metallurgical-grade bauxite. The financial cost has ballooned — from Rs 369 lakh in 2012-13 to a staggering Rs 2,11,481 lakh in 2024-25. This isn’t just economic inefficiency — it's strategic vulnerability to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions.

Aluminium Demand is Soaring — Supply Must Catch Up