Vedanta's push for a "green copper" plant at the Sterlite site in Thoothukudi highlights efforts to revive a key facility using cleaner technology, as permitted by the Madras High Court. This builds on the plant's controversial history while addressing India's copper import dependence.
Key Jargons Explained
Green Copper: Refined copper produced via low-emission smelting, like oxygen-rich side-blown furnaces that use over 80% pure oxygen to oxidize copper ores efficiently. In layman terms, it's "eco-friendly copper-making" where high-oxygen blasts speed up reactions, cut fuel use by relying on ore's own heat, slash carbon emissions, and recycle by-products like SO₂ into acid—unlike dirty traditional methods.
Sterlite Copper: Vedanta's former copper smelter in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, designed for 400,000 tonnes annual refined copper output from copper concentrate (mostly copper sulfide ores like chalcopyrite, CuFeS₂). Simple terms: A factory turning copper ore rocks into pure metal sheets via heating/melting; composition starts as 20-30% copper ore, ends as 99.99% pure copper cathodes; used in wires, EVs, renewables, electronics.
Copper Smelting: Heating copper ore with oxygen to melt out metal, removing impurities like sulfur/iron as slag/gas. Layman: Like baking ore in a super-hot oven (1200-1500°C) to free copper blobs, then purifying further.
SIPCOT: State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu, managing industrial parks like Thoothukudi's where Sterlite sits.
Economic and Scholar Insights
Revival promises self-reliance as India imports 40-50% refined copper despite ore reserves, vital for booming sectors like EVs (8-10% yearly demand rise). Scholars like PR Kovilan see it as sustainable industry model, blending growth with ecology via green tech; industry leaders praise national asset potential under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Static Linkages
- Composition/Usage: Copper cathodes → rods → wires for power grids, motors, batteries; alloys like brass (Cu-Zn).
- 2018 Closure: TNPCB violations, gas leak deaths; SC upheld.
- Govt Bodies: TNPCB, CPCB, MoEF&CC oversee EIA compliance.
Updated Prelims Questions
1. What defines 'green copper' production primarily?
(a) Recycled scrap (b) Oxygen-rich low-carbon smelting (c) Solar-powered mining (d) Alloy blending
Answer: (b)
Updated Mains Questions
1. Discuss 'green copper' tech's role in India's mineral security, critiquing Sterlite revival w.r.t. environment-economy trade-offs. (15M)
Model Answer Outline: Intro: HC nod, 2018 context. Body: Tech merits (autothermal, SO₂ reuse); Economics (import cut, jobs); Risks (past pollution); Forward: EIA, community audits. Conclude: Green path for Atmanirbhar.