National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) was incorporated on January 7, 1981, as a Government of India enterprise in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to harness vast bauxite deposits. It operates as a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, focusing on bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium smelting. The company is a key player in the industry and is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). 

Key Historical Milestones

• 1980: The Government of India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aluminium Pechiney of France for technical collaboration and financing to establish the integrated complex.
• 1981: NALCO was incorporated on January 7 as a wholly-owned enterprise of the Government of India.
• 1989: The company became the first public sector company in India to venture into the international metal market, registering with the London Metal Exchange (LME).
• 1992: NALCO was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
• 1999: The company was listed on the National Stock Exchange.
• 2000s-Present: The company began massive expansion projects for its bauxite mines, alumina refinery, and smelter plant in Angul.
• 2022-2026: NALCO continues to achieve high financial performance, recording its highest-ever net profit of $\text{₹}5,816$ crore in FY26. 

Key Operations and GrowthNALCO was crucial in reducing India's reliance on imported aluminium, marking a 40% rise in domestic production capacity when it was formed. The company operates a fully integrated chain from mining to metal production, with its major facilities in Odisha.

• Bauxite Mining: Located at Panchpatmali, Koraput.
• Alumina Refinery: Located at Damanjodi, Odisha.
• Aluminium Smelter & Power Plant: Located at Angul, Odisha, with a $1200\text{ MW}$ captive power plant.
• Renewable Energy: The company has expanded into wind power, with projects in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. 

Currently, 51.28% of NALCO's equity capital is owned by the Government of India, and it holds a prestigious Navratna status, aiming to eventually become a Maharatna company.