Reliance Industries May Enter Aluminium Business

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), led by Mukesh Ambani, is reportedly exploring plans to enter the aluminium production business. However, the proposal is still at an early stage and a final decision is yet to be taken. As part of its interest in the sector, Reliance purchased tender documents for ₹5 lakh to participate in the auction of the Karlapat bauxite block in Odisha. The block was ultimately awarded to BALCO, a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium.

Reliance’s recent acquisition of two coal mines in Andhra Pradesh could also play a role in its broader metals strategy. The company is reportedly considering setting up a coal-gasification project at the sites. Such plants convert coal into synthesis gas, which can be used for power generation or as industrial fuel. Reliance is believed to be exploring the possibility of using the gas produced from the proposed project for manufacturing aluminium and other metals. The potential move comes as the Adani Group has already entered the aluminium sector, announcing plans in June to establish a 2-million-tonne-per-year aluminium production project in Odisha in partnership with a UAE-based company, with an investment of around $11.5 billion. Reliance’s reported interest could therefore set the stage for increased competition in India’s aluminium industry.