Copper scrap shines with JCL's revival

With the commencement of Jhagadia Copper (formerly SWIL) copper scrap generation in the country is all set for a revolution which otherwise goes undergound through difference means of disposal.

At present, India imports 10 lakh tonne copper scrap in various forms, including reverts, residues, powders, motors and wires, to remelt and reproduce copper as domestic generation is almost nil in the absence of organised way of recollection.

According to Mumbai-based scrap trader Surendra Mardia, copper scrap recollection through the organised route is a difficult task as basic producers depend on ragpickers to meet their demands.

Apart from that about 50-60 per cent scrap generated by primary producers is unaccountable, another trader said.

"Despite huge potential of recycling in the domestic market, a major chunk of copper scrap is currently buried underground with a copper content of up to 40 per cent," said Padmanabh Vora, chairman, Jhagadia Copper.

"We need to organise copper residues, including reverts, powders and motors, in India for a sustainable supply," Vora added.

Built on top blown rotary converter (Kaldo) technology in collaboration with Outokumpu Technology AB (formerly Boliden Contech AB, Sweden), Jhagadia Copper is utilising only 37 per cent of its 50,000-tonne copper cathode capacity.

The plant can produce another 20,000 tonne copper anodes per annum. The company is hopeful to touch the 100 per cent capacity utilisation by end of the current financial year for which it has chalked out Rs 42 crore investment.

Jhagadia Copper is the only copper producer in India which has the flexibility to use scrap and residues and to manufacture the LME-grade copper cathodes.

Started production on May 15, JCL, in a short span of time, has managed to make a large clientele base in the overseas market.

Renowned companies like BHP Billiton and Glencore have inked pact with JCL. The company announced the commercial production after years of litigation which resulted in depreciation of plants.