Vedanta to establish mega Rs 1.28 lakh crore aluminium smelter project in Odisha’s Dhenkanal; 30,000 jobs expected

Mining giant Vedanta Aluminium has launched one of the largest private sector investments in Odisha’s history, with a mega project worth Rs 1.28 lakh crore set to significantly transform the state’s industrial and employment landscape.

According to reports, Vedanta will establish a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter along with a massive 4,900 MW captive power plant in Dhenkanal district.

Notably, the landmark project was approved during the 41st High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and is expected to create 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The announcement marks a major leap in Vedanta’s expansion in Odisha, where the company already operates smelters, refineries, and bauxite mining operations.

Reports suggest that the project will not only increase the company’s aluminium smelting capacity but also provide a major economic thrust to the Dhenkanal region through auxiliary industries, logistics, and infrastructure upgrades.

Vedanta’s Mega Investment Trail: From Rayagada to Dhenkanal

The Rs 1.28 lakh crore project comes months after Vedanta announced another ambitious aluminium complex in Rayagada, to be developed in phases.

That project, which includes a 6 MTPA alumina refinery and a 3 MTPA smelter, was first unveiled by Chairman Anil Agarwal at the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. It will reportedly be fed by bauxite sourced from Vedanta’s developing Sijimali mine.

With existing investments in Lanjigarh, Jharsuguda, and chrome ore mines in Jaipur and Dhenkanal, Vedanta’s cumulative commitment in Odisha has already crossed Rs 1 lakh crore.

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Odisha Approves 7 More Industrial Projects Worth Rs 1.51 Lakh Crore

While Vedanta’s investment was the headline-grabbing announcement, the HLCA also approved seven other mega industrial projects across key sectors such as chemicals, steel, textiles, and metal downstream, totalling Rs 1,51,239.50 crore.

Notably, these projects, to be developed across six districts, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Khordha, and Dhenkanal, are expected to generate over 60,200 employment opportunities.