HCL-UCIL Partnership to Revive Singhbhum Copper Belt, Uranium Recovery Project Gains Momentum  

Jamshedpur: The historic Singhbhum Copper Belt of East Singhbhum, covering the Ghatshila, Musabani and Jadugora regions, is set for a major industrial revival as two major public sector undertakings—Hindustan Copper Limited and Uranium Corporation of India Limited—have joined hands for a strategic mineral recovery initiative aimed at strengthening India’s nuclear energy sector.

Officials said the collaboration focuses on recovering uranium from copper mining waste through modern scientific techniques while ensuring maximum utilization of mineral resources.

High-Level Meeting Held at UCIL Headquarters

A recent meeting between the top management of HCL and UCIL was held at the UCIL headquarters in Jadugora to discuss the roadmap for the ambitious project.

The initiative is being led by UCIL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Dr. Kancham Anand Rao, who is overseeing the preparations for establishing a dedicated uranium recovery plant in Jadugora.

Sources said the proposed facility is being planned on a priority basis to process copper tailings generated from mining operations.

Uranium to Be Extracted from Copper Tailings

Under the proposed system, copper ore extracted by HCL from various mining blocks will first undergo processing for copper extraction.

The residual waste generated after processing, commonly referred to as “copper tailings,” will then be transported to UCIL’s proposed uranium recovery plant.

Using advanced technology, uranium will be scientifically separated from the tailings. After extraction, the remaining waste material will be returned to HCL’s tailings management system.

Officials believe the project will help optimize mineral utilization while reducing industrial waste.

New Mining Blocks Identified for Development

According to official sources, Hindustan Copper Limited has sought technical support from Uranium Corporation of India Limited for the development of several new copper blocks, including Dhobani-Pathargora, Nandup-Ramchandrapahar-Bayanbil and Dhadkidih-Tirildih.

Statistical estimates indicate that by 2028-29, nearly 7.5 lakh tonnes of copper tailings may become available annually from the Musabani Concentrator Plant alone.

Authorities are also exploring the possibility of utilizing old tailings dumps from Surda, Kendadih and Rakha mines for uranium recovery.

Major Boost for India’s Nuclear Energy Goals

Experts said the project could play a crucial role in strengthening India’s long-term energy security.

The Government of India has set a target of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047. To meet this ambitious goal, enhancing domestic uranium production has become increasingly important.

Officials believe the HCL-UCIL collaboration could emerge as a significant milestone in reducing dependence on imported uranium and strengthening indigenous nuclear fuel resources.

Large-Scale Employment Opportunities Expected

The mega-project is also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities across Jadugora, Musabani and Ghatshila.

Apart from direct jobs in mining and processing, the initiative is likely to create opportunities in transportation, infrastructure development and allied industries.

Local residents and industrial stakeholders believe the revival of mining activities will boost economic growth across the Singhbhum region.