Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal on Saturday said the company is planning major investments in Odisha across the power, refinery and smelter sectors, while reiterating its long-term commitment to the state.

According to Agarwal, the Vedanta Group will set up a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter plant in Dhenkanal district. “We have already received land for the project. The construction work will begin soon,” he said.

As per reports, the Vedanta Group will build the aluminium smelter along with a 4,900 MW captive power plant (CPP) in Dhenkanal with an investment of Rs 1.28 lakh crore. The project is expected to generate 30,000 new jobs in the state.

“Vedanta had succeeded in establishing a large aluminium industry in Kalahandi despite opposition from various quarters. The company now plans to construct a major hospital in Kalahandi,” said Agarwal while addressing a presser in the capital city.

Agarwal said the company is also looking at increasing aluminium production to 2 million tonnes. According to him, the state government has assured necessary infrastructure and other facilities to support industrial expansion.

“Employment generation remains the company's primary objective. Expansion of industries is essential to create more employment opportunities for people,” he added.

Agarwal further said Vedanta Group had earlier envisioned establishing a university in Odisha, but the plan could not materialise. “The project may materialize in the future,” he stated.

Speaking about India's economic transformation, Agarwal said the country was moving towards greater self-reliance and would no longer remain dependent on imports in the same manner as before. He attributed the change to government policies as well as a shift in people's mindset.

However, he pointed out that India still imports bauxite despite having substantial resources and potential. He said increasing industrial activity was necessary to make better use of the country's natural resources and create jobs.

Agarwal also said opposition to Vedanta in Odisha had reduced considerably compared with the situation around 20 years ago.