Vedanta to invest Rs 1 lakh cr in Rajasthan to double production

Vedanta Ltd will invest Rs one lakh crore in Rajasthan to scale up production across its key businesses, chairman Anil Agarwal said on Wednesday, outlining one of the group’s largest commitments in the state to date.

Speaking at the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas, Agarwal said the group plans to double its output in zinc, lead, silver, oil and gas, and renewable energy through the fresh investment, according to a company statement.

“Rajasthan has abundant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, giving it the potential to take India’s economy to even greater heights. Just as Punjab feeds the nation, Rajasthan has the capacity to supply the world with minerals and natural resources in the years to come,” Agarwal said.

Vedanta is working to strengthen small and medium zinc manufacturing industries in the state through the establishment of a zinc park.

Agarwal said the Zinc International Industrial Park, which will have the capacity to host 200 new industries, will offer electricity, water, raw materials, and infrastructure support, providing a boost to MSMEs and downstream sectors.

The company is also setting up north India’s first phosphate fertiliser plant in Rajasthan.

So far, Vedanta has invested over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the state, generating lakhs of jobs and contributing nearly Rs 3 lakh crore to national and state exchequers over the past decade.

Agarwal added that after acquiring Hindustan Zinc, production has increased tenfold and India has transitioned from an importer to a producer of silver.