Project Approval & Strategic Importance
The Indian Bureau of Mines has approved the mining plan for the Ambaji Copper Project in North Gujarat by GMDC Ltd. This integrated project combines exploration, mining, and beneficiation under one setup. The move is expected to boost domestic copper production and reduce India’s heavy reliance on imports.
Project Details & Scale
The Ambaji project spans approximately 185 hectares and holds copper, lead, and zinc deposits. The total resource is estimated at about 10 million tonnes of these minerals, with the asset valued at around ₹22,000 crore—copper alone accounting for roughly ₹18,000 crore.
Drilling work of 24,000 meters is planned for the area; about 9,300 meters of drilling have already been completed. Notably, it will be Gujarat’s first underground copper mining project. The project will create over 2,200 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Impacts & Industrial Significance
- The Ambaji project has the potential to meet almost one‐fifth of India’s copper concentrate demand, aiding in self-reliance in critical minerals.
- Because copper is essential for EVs, renewable energy, infrastructure, and electrical systems, this project could supply key sectors and reduce import costs.
- The project is seen as a major development for Gujarat’s mineral belt and is likely to foster ancillary infrastructure, roads, housing, and regional economic growth.
Why Now & What to Expect
India currently imports about 90% of its copper requirements. With this plan in place, production stability is expected to improve significantly.
The project is also expected to be highlighted at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Mehsana, where GMDC will host seminars on critical minerals.
Challenges to Watch
- Ensuring environmental safeguards and sustainable mining practices in underground mining operations.
- Timely infrastructure development to support operations (roads, power, beneficiation facilities).
- Managing community impact, regulation compliance, and downstream processing capacity.
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