Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Vedanta Limited
View on WikipediaThis article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Vedanta Limited is an Indian multinational mining company headquartered in Mumbai, with its main operations in iron ore, gold and aluminium mines in Goa, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Odisha.[4]
Key Information
History
[edit]Sterlite Industries
[edit]Vedanta (then called Sterlite industries) began in the 1980s, as the founder D.P.Agarwal founded Sterlite Industries (India) Limited in Mumbai and begun to buy mining concessions in different states of India. He was soon joined by his two sons, Navin Agarwal and Anil Agarwal, both of whom currently run the company. In 1992, they established Volcan investments in Nassau (Bahamas) as the main holding company for their mines.[5] D.P.Agarwal had a small aluminium conductor business in Patna. His son Anil Agarwal had come to Mumbai to expand their business.[6]
In the 1990s, as the Indian government began to sell off sick (non-performing) companies, Sterlite began to bid for them. They were able to bid successfully for BALCO and Hindustan Zinc Limited, both bankrupt companies that had been closed down for 4 years. Meanwhile, in January 1993, D. P. Agarwal founded Twinstar Holdings Limited in Mauritius, which was mostly owned by Volcan investments. On 26 May 2002, the Enforcement Directorate filed a show cause notice with Sterlite, relating to the six-year period between 1993 and 1999 when Twinstar acquired the shares of Sterlite and various investment companies – such as Dwarka Prasad Anil Kumar Investments Private Limited, Pravin Navin Investment & Trading Private Limited and Sterlite Copper Rolling Mills Private Limited – which, in turn, had made substantial investments in Sterlite and another group company, Madras Aluminium Company Limited (MALCO) after obtaining permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). On 29 April 1999, many of these investment companies were liquidated and all the shares of Sterlite came back to Twinstar's possession. Twinstar became the 100% owner of shares in these investment companies and received government approvals from the RBI as well as the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).[5]
On 8 December 1999, officials of the Income Tax department raided the offices of Sterlite located at Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder and Tulsiani Chambers, Mumbai, and seized many documents. The IT department then decided to engage the services of ED officials as it appeared that there could have been a violation of the country's foreign exchange laws. After analyzing these documents, the ED inferred that Twinstar was incorporated with the sole intention of acquiring an interest in Sterlite. The Directorate alleged that the Agarwals, before liquidating the shares of the investment companies mentioned, had written off loans worth 230 million and made an agreement to gift their overseas corporate body, Twinstar, a sum of ₹338 million including shares of Sterlite worth ₹72 million. Between 1993 and 1999, Sterlite and its investment companies allegedly brought in ₹2.08 billion to India through Twinstar to subscribe to the shares of Sterlite and make investments in the company.[7][5]
Sesa Goa – Scambi (1954–1963)
[edit]The company today known as Sesa Goa was founded in 1954, as Scambi Economici SA Goa.[8] Since then, it gradually grew to become a large low-cost producer of iron ore. During 1991–1995, it diversified into the manufacture of pig iron and metallurgical coke. Scambi Economici Societa Anonyma (SESA), owned by Baron Ludovic Toeplitz, with the financial backing of Alessandro Vassalo, obtained the Orasso Dongor mining lease in Sirsaim, Goa in 1954 and Sesa Goa Limited was formed. It was bought over in 1955, with equal shareholding, by Gewerkeshaft Exploration e Bergbau and Ferromin S.p.A., a subsidiary of Finsider S.p.A. (of IRI group), which eventually acquired the other half stake in 1963.[citation needed]
Sesa Goa (1963–2007)
[edit]Sesa Goa Limited was incorporated as a private limited company in 1963 under The Companies Act, 1956. In 1979, Sesa Goa Private Limited was formed, with the merger of Sesa Goa Limited with another mining company in Goa, Mingoa Sociedade Miniera Goesa S.a.r.l. By 1965, Sesa Goa and Mingoa were incorporated as a private limited company under The Companies Act, 1956. The merger happened in 1979 and the new, unified company was called 'Sesa Goa Pvt Ltd'. The company went public in 1981[9] with 42,000 Indian shareholders, holding 60% of its shares and the remaining 40% held by Finsider International, which later became ILVA International. Sesa Goa had started with iron mining as its core business but slowly, it ventured into barge construction in 1984 at Sirsaim, located in the Bardez taluka of North Goa. Since then, the barge construction unit has been developed into a shipbuilding division.[10]
In the 1990s, Sesa Goa began further expansion, aided by an influx of foreign investment during the economic liberalization of India enforced by the World Bank and IMF. In 1992, the first phase of a 150,000 ton pig iron plant was commissioned. In the same year, Sesa introduced India's first low-phosphorus foundry grade pig iron in India and subsequently formalised the business under pig iron division. The pig iron plant was located at Amona, Goa and had an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum. Other alliances were formed in the nineties—in January 1995, Sesa Shipping was launched by acquiring a transhipper M.V. Orissa. The year also saw the inclusion of 84 new coke ovens. When Mitsui & Co. of Japan bought Finsider International in 1996, it gained 51% stake in Sesa Go. By 1997, Sesa Kembla became a 100% subsidiary of Sesa Goa.
In 1997, A Narrain mines located in Chitradurga, Karnataka were purchased. A Supreme Court directive in August 2011 led to suspension of mining activities in the region. In 1999, Sesa Goa started mining operations in Barbil, which has the fifth largest deposit of iron ore and manganese in the world. They started producing iron ore which was exported from the port towns of Haldia and Paradip. During this time, the company also started the Sesa Community Development Foundation that supported the NCM Sesa Technical School and a football academy called SESA F.A. In March 2024, Supreme Court also rejected a plea for reopening the plant in Tamil Nadu.[11]
During the end of the 90s, the company also began to consolidate through mergers and acquisitions. Sesa Kembla completed the creation of an indigenous and environment-friendly technology that produced high-quality metallurgical coke. This technology generated power[12] as a by-product.[13] In 2003, the Sesa Goa equity in Sesa Industries was raised to 88.25%, impacting the shareholding pattern.
Take over by Vedanta (2007)
[edit]In 2007, Vedanta Resources Plc, a diversified metals and mining group founded by Anil Agarwal, acquired 51% controlling stake[14] in Sesa Goa Ltd. from Mitsui & Co. Ltd. Vedanta Resources is listed on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of FTSE 100 Index. The deal was worth ₹40.7 billion (US$480 million), making it the largest M&A deal in the industry so far.[15] In 2009, Sesa Goa acquired Goa-based Dempo Group's mining and maritime businesses for ₹17.5 billion (US$210 million) in an all-cash deal.[16][17] This was the second largest[18] acquisition in India's iron-ore industry, and it gave Sesa Goa access to Dempo's 70 million tons of iron-ore mineable resources in Goa. In 2011, Sesa Goa purchased 51% stake in Western Cluster, Liberia for $90 million.[19] The Liberia Gola Forest Community people who also suffered from the civil war believe that the coming of Western Cluster will help to alleviate their suffering and provide employment.
In 2007, it became a majority-owned subsidiary[20] of Vedanta Resources Plc, listed on the London Stock Exchange, when Vedanta acquired 51% controlling stake from Mitsui & Co., Ltd. In June 2009, Sesa Goa Limited acquired[16] VS Dempo & Co. Private Limited (now Sesa Resources Limited) along with its fully owned subsidiary Dempo Mining Corporation (now Vedanta Limited) and 50% equity in Goa Maritime Private Limited. In 2010, Vedanta acquired the zinc assets of British miner Anglo American plc.
In 2011 Vedanta Resources bought 58.5% controlling stake in Cairn India, India's largest private sector oil & gas company.[21] In 2015, Sterlite Industries and Sesa Goa announced their merger and finally merged into a single entity in August 2015.[22] In 2015, Sesa Sterlite changed its name to Vedanta Limited.[23] On 11 April 2017, Cairn India merged with Vedanta Limited to consolidate its position as one of the largest diversified natural resources companies in the world.[24]
In 2018 Vedanta Limited acquired control of Electrosteels Steels Limited.[25] Electrosteel Steels had been constructing an integrated steel plant at Siyaljori in Jharkhand.
In May 2020, it is declared that company is going to delist from Indian bourses as per the comment by Mr. Anil Agarwal.[26]
In September 2022, Vedanta signed a pact with Foxconn as a technical partner to invest ₹1.54 trillion (US$18 billion) to set up semiconductor and display production plants in Gujarat. The venture intends to start manufacturing display and chip products within two years. The investment follows the Indian government commitment to expand incentives beyond an initial $10 billion plan for those investing in manufacturing of semiconductors.[27][28] Barely a year later in July 2023 the venture was ended with mutual agreement with both companies maintaining that they are still looking to set up semiconductor foundries in India.[29][30]
On 24 March 2024, Vedanta Ltd announced a $6 billion investment across various business verticals, including aluminium, zinc, iron ore, steel, and oil and gas, aiming to add at least $2.5 billion to its annual EBITDA. The investment is part of a strategy involving over 50 active projects expected to generate additional revenues of over $6 billion, with plans for a significant vertical split leading to the creation of five newly listed companies.[31]
Operations
[edit]Though the company primarily operated in Goa and Karnataka, it has gradually expanded its operations in recent years to Odisha, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.[32]
Vedanta limited owns, leases and operates in India through the following entities:
- Bharat Aluminium Company: In February 2001, Government of India in a major dis-investment deal, approved the sale of its 51% stake in BALCO to Sterlite Industries (now Vedanta Limited) for Rs.551.5 crores.[33] The government of India owns the remaining 49.0%. Incorporated in 1965, BALCO was a profit making Public Sector Company which had played a crucial role in increasing the usage of aluminium over a wide spectrum of products ranging from household utensils to aerospace and defense sectors. BALCO is headquartered at Korba in the state of Chhattisgarh and is a vertically integrated aluminium producer having its own captive bauxite mines, captive power plants and smelter.[34]
- Hindustan Zinc: HZL is headquartered in Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. HZL's equity shares are listed and traded on the NSE and BSE. Vedanta owns 64.9% of the share capital in HZL and has management control. Sterlite has a call option to acquire the government of India's remaining ownership interest.[35]
- Sterlite Copper (Tuticorin):[36] Sterlite is registered office headquartered in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India. Sterlite has been a public listed company in India since 1988, and its equity shares are listed and traded on the NSE and the BSE, and are also listed and traded on the NYSE in the form of ADSs. Vedanta owns 53.9% of Sterlite and has management control of the company. Protest by Public of Tuticorin started for not following Environmental Clearance Issues. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) accused the factory of releasing noxious gas in the air. It said sulphur-di-oxide levels had gone off the charts on the night of 23 March in the year 2013. It showed a reading of 2939.55 mg/cubic metre against the prescribed limit of 1250 mg/ cubic metre more people were affected by cancer and other breathing disorders but the Indian government did not take any action.[37]
- Twin star (a Mauritius-based offshore holding company that owns sizable parts of Vedanta limited)[38]
- Cairn India and Cairn energy India (oil and offshore exploration)[36]
- Mines in Goa (currently frozen statewide) and Karnataka (owned by Vedanta limited)[39]
- Electrosteel Steels limited, Jharkhand (through Vedanta star, a holding company)[38][40]
- Talwandi Sabo power limited (a thermal power plant in Mansa, near Bathinda, Punjab)[36][41]
- Vedanta Aluminium: Vedanta Aluminium is headquartered in Jharsuguda, Odisha. Vedanta owns 70.5% of the share capital of Vedanta Aluminium and Sterlite owns the remaining 29.5% share capital of Vedanta Aluminium. Vedanta Aluminium produces ingots, billets & wire rods that are sold in the markets around the world. Vedanta Aluminium Limited (VAL) has acquired a 24.5% stake in L & T subsidiary Raykal Aluminium. Based on achieving certain milestones, Vedanta Aluminium will fully acquire Raykal Aluminium in phases.[42] Vedanta is undertaking an expansion program. It plans to produce around 1.5 million tonnes of aluminium in the fiscal year 2016-17 from its Jharsuguda and Korba smelters which will make it the largest aluminium producer in India. Its alumina refinery, located in Lanjigarh, plans[43] to produce 1.5 million tonnes of alumina and depending on availability of domestic bauxite will subsequently ramp it up to 4 million tonnes per annum in the near future.[44] Despite NGO sponsored activism, the Lanjigarh smelter has seen a lot of support from the local people who see it as an important source of employment and livelihood.[45]
- Madras Aluminium Company: MALCO is headquartered in Mettur, India. MALCO's equity shares are listed and traded on the NSE and BSE. It owns 93.9% of MALCO's share capital and has management control of the company.[46]
Shareholding pattern
[edit]As of 30 June 2018, the company is owned 50% by the promoters (under Finsider international and Twinstar holding, both holding companies owned under the names of 12 members of the Agarwal family) and 50% by the public. The promoters ownership (51%) is held under "Westglobe limited" under "Twinstar holdings" (37%) and Finsider international (11%).[47] The balance 49% of the company is owned by mutual funds (ICICI Prudential), foreign portfolio investors (17%), Corporate bodies (7%), LIC India (6%), Citibank New York (4%), individual retail shareholders (5%) and Citibank NYADR (4%).[48]
Relationship with Sesa Goa: Sesa Goa was originally a Portuguese owned company, with iron ore mines in Goa. In the 1990s, Sesa Goa was purchased by Sterlite industries (subsequently renamed as Vedanta Limited).[49]
Vedanta Management has shared its intentions to delist company from stock exchanges subject to Shareholders approval. However, delisting is a lengthy process and may take years.[50]
Relationship with Cairns India and Carins energy: In 2016, Cairns India and Cairns Energy were purchased by Vedanta Limited. Cairns was a US-owned company and the 2nd largest private oil and gas company in India.
Products
[edit]Copper: Vedanta limited operates the largest copper smelter In India, in Tuticorin. This contributes to nearly 50% of Vedanta Limited's profits. In early 2016, due to local protests related to environment pollution, the plant was temporarily shut down by the Tamil Nadu state government. Vedanta has contested these claims, stating that its gas emissions are well below the state norms and the emissions of 11 other neighboring industries. It has also stated that their plant does not pump any water into the sea, due to a change in the plant configuration after a previous (2013) complaints from the state government.[51]
Zinc-Lead-Silver: Zinc India business is owned and operated by Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL). HZL owns and operates a fully integrated zinc-lead business. HZL is one of the world's largest integrated zinc-lead producers by volume. Sesa Sterlite owns 64.9% of the share capital of HZL, while the Government of India remains an equity partner and holds a 29.5% stake. HZL is listed on Indian stock exchanges (NSE and BSE).HZL's fully integrated zinc operations include five lead-zinc mines, one rock phosphate mine, four hydrometallurgical zinc smelters, two lead smelters, one lead-zinc smelter, four sulphuric acid plants, one silver refinery and six captive power plants at our Chanderiya, Dariba and Zawar facilities in the State of Rajasthan, processing and refining facilities for zinc at Haridwar and for zinc, lead and silver at Pantnagar, both in the State of Uttarakhand and in northern India. In FY 2013, these operations delivered 870,000 tonnes of mined zinc-lead metal-in-concentrate, and 802,000 tonnes of refined zinc and lead.[52]
Aluminium: Vedanta's aluminium output rises 2% to 584,000 tonnes in second Qtr of FY23[53]
CSR & Sustainability
[edit]Vedanta invested US$37 million towards community development in 2015–16, benefitting over 2.25 million people globally.[54] The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ranked Vedanta Limited and its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc among the top ten sustainable firms in India.[55] In FY2016, Vedanta recycled 47% of the fly ash generated through operations, as well as recycled 23% of the water utilized during its operations.[56]
The company developed a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India to modernize and construct the Anganwadi infrastructure in India.[57][58]
Controversies
[edit]2001 SEBI case
[edit]In 2001, Sterlite industries, BPL and Videocon were found guilty by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) of having colluded with the broker Harshad Mehta and 17 brokers (10 from BSE and 7 from NSE) in a bid to corner shares and rig shares prices. This resulted in a ban on Sterlite from accessing capital markets for 2 years.[59] Subsequent to this, in 2003, Vedanta Resources (UK) was listed on the London Stock Exchange. Vedanta Resources itself is a holding company that owns many entities including a large proportion of Vedanta Limited and Sterlite industries.[60]
Tuticorin Sterlite protests
[edit]In early 2018, thousands of residents of Tuticorin began to protest against the Sterlite plant located in the industrial complex there. The protests continued for three months and began to draw the attention of the media as well as local political parties who began to instigate as well as mobilise locals. Most of the protests were related to what locals perceived to be pollution from the Sterlite factory. The managers of Sterlite countered that there were another four similar plants adjacent to them, and that they were complying with all government regulations. There was little equipment, either with the plant or with the government to take actual measurements of the air in the vicinity. Sterlite further countered that contrary to the rumours that were being circulated, they did not pump any water from the plant into the sea which lay more than 10 kilometers away. In April 2018, the Government of Tamil Nadu placed an order to close down the factory.[61] This order was temporarily cancelled by the district collector.[62][63]
In May 2018, amidst ongoing protests by thousands of people, matters turned rough one day and the police opened fire on demonstrators.[64][65] The firing killed 13 people and protesters turned violent, burning vehicles and structures. Residents say the copper smelter is causing environmental damage. Subsequent to the firing, the Tamil Nadu chief minister Palaniswami ordered a judicial inquiry into the shootings but defended the police response.[66]
Awards
[edit]Vedanta Aluminium received the recognition of "Indian Affairs India's Most Valuable Aluminum Producing Company of the Year 2018" & Its CEO Abhijit Pati in the category of "Indian Affairs Innovative CEO of the year 2018" at the Satya Brahma 9th Annual India Leadership Conclave 2018 in Mumbai.[67]
Offices
[edit]The registered office and corporate office of Vedanta Limited are based in Mumbai.[68] The company has offices in New Delhi, NCR as well as across its operations in the country.
Recent Developments (August 2025 – Present)
[edit]Demerger Plan Objections
[edit]In August 2025, Vedanta's proposed demerger plan faced significant objections from the Indian federal government and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The government raised concerns over concealed liabilities and incomplete disclosures, leading the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to defer the hearing to September 17, 2025[69]. SEBI issued a warning regarding modifications made to the demerger scheme post-No Objection Certificate (NOC).[70]
Dividend Announcement
[edit]On August 21, 2025, Vedanta's board of directors met to consider and approve the second interim dividend for the financial year 2025-26. If declared, the record date for determining shareholder entitlement is set for August 27, 2025. This follows a first interim dividend of ₹7 per share announced in June 2025.[71][72]
Hindustan Zinc's Sustainability Initiative
[edit]Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta, announced plans to establish a 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) tailings reprocessing plant with an investment of ₹3,823 crore. This initiative aims to enhance resource efficiency and contribute to Vedanta’s sustainability goals.[73]
Digital Education Initiative
[edit]ESL Steel Limited, part of the Vedanta Group, inaugurated a digital café in Madunia, Bokaro, to provide digital education and online learning resources to students from Classes 6 to 10. This initiative aims to bridge the rural-urban education divide through technology-enabled learning opportunities.[74]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Balance Sheet 2024" (PDF). p. 13..
- ^ "Annual report 2024" (PDF).
- ^ "About Vedanta". ataglance.vedantaresources.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Vedanta's Sesa Iron Ore to make all mines operational in Goa". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ a b c thakurta, Prananjoy Guha (2 November 2009). "Vedanta's Questionable Resources". Current Weekly. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ Kumar, Rohit (17 April 2018). "NCLT approves Vedanta's resolution plan for Electrosteel (Lead)". Vimocafe. Archived from the original on 30 March 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Chidambaram faces flak on Vedanta links". Business Standard. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Business News, Market Updates, Economy, Finance, Stock, BSE, NSE, Nifty – NDTV Profit".
- ^ "Sesa Goa: Volume expansion to drive growth". Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Edelweiss". Archived from the original on 8 August 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
- ^ Pal, Priyasi. "Sterlite Standoff: Vedanta Seeks Legal Options After SC Rejects Reopening Plea". Bru Times News.
- ^ "The Hindu Business Line : FFE Minerals ties up with Sesa Kembla for coke oven". Thehindubusinessline.in. 4 February 2004. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Vedanta Chairman Speech | Vedanta Ltd Chairman Speech". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Archive News". The Hindu. 25 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Vedanta bags Mitsui's 51% in miner Sesa Goa". Indian Express. 25 April 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Sesa Goa buys Dempo's mining biz | Business Standard News". Business Standard India. Business-standard.com. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ Panaji, DHNS (12 June 2009). "Sesa Goa buys Dempo mining firm". Deccanherald.com. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Sesa Goa acquires Dempo Mining « WeeksUpdate". Weeksupdate.com. 21 June 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ PTI (6 August 2011). "Sesa Goa to buy 51% stake in Western Cluster for $90 mn". Livemint. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ Our Bureau (25 February 2012). "Vedanta to merge Sesa Goa, Sterlite Ind in all-share deal | Business Line". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ Utpal Bhaskar (8 December 2011). "Vedanta's Cairn India stake buy completed". Livemint. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "Sesa Goa, Sterlite Combine to Reduce Debt of Parent Vedanta". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 23 August 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Sesa Sterlite renamed as Vedanta Ltd". The Hindu. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ ET Bureau (12 April 2017). "Cairn India merges with Vedanta". The Economic Times. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ Mukul, Jyoti (5 June 2018). "Vedanta enters steel with acquisition of Electrosteel Steels, to hold 90%". Business Standard India. Business Standard, 5 June 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta to be delisted from Indian bourses, says Anil Agarwal".
- ^ Vengattil, Munsif; Kalra, Aditya (13 September 2022). "Vedanta, Foxconn to invest $19.5 billion in India's Gujarat for chip, display project". Reuters.
- ^ Patil, Divya; Afonso, Swansy; Joshi, Ashutosh (16 September 2022). "Vedanta Drops Most in Months as Chip Factory Plan Unclear". Bloomberg News.
- ^ "Foxconn, Vedanta pull the plug on semiconductor JV". The Economic Times. 11 July 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- ^ "Foxconn-Vedanta: How the $19.5 billion deal went kaput". Business Insider. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- ^ "Vedanta touts $6 billion investment pipeline as growth driver". The Economic Times. 24 March 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Vedanta Limited". www.vedantalimited.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Vedanta's Founder Anil Agarwal Net Worth". Money Laid. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ "Battle over Balco". Frontline. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ "Getting hold of Hindustan Zinc's cash turning an expensive affair for Vedanta". Live mint. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ a b c "Our operations". www.vedantalimited.com. Vedanta limited. Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta's copper smelting plant ordered to stop operations". Deccan Herald. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
- ^ a b Vedanta's billions: regulatory failure, environment and human rights (PDF). Sussex: Foil Vedanta. 1 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
- ^ Annual report 2017-2018 (PDF). Mumbai: Vedanta Limited. 1 September 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
- ^ Mukul, Jyoti (5 June 2018). "Vedanta enters steel with acquisition of Electrosteel Steels, to hold 90%". Business Standard India. Business Standard, 5 June 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
- ^ "Invitation for EOI" (PDF). Talwandi Sabo Power Limited website. Vedanta Limited. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta Aluminium acquires 24.5% stake in L&T subsidiary". 11 June 2012.
- ^ "Vedanta revives second stream operations at Lanjigarh refinery".
- ^ Dash, Jayajit (20 May 2016). "Vedanta to produce 1.5 mn tonnne aluminium in FY17". Business Standard India. Business Standard. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ "Pro-Development Demonstration by Dongaria Tribals". Orissadiary. Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
- ^ "Madras Aluminium Company Limited". Mettur. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ "Vedanta limited shareholding pattern (September 2018) – Pages 4 and 5" (PDF). Vedanta official website. Vedanta Limited. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Share holding pattern – Vedanta Limited, India" (PDF). www.vedantalimited.com. Vedanta official / letter to SEBI. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
- ^ "Sterlite – Sesa Goa merger" (PDF). IIFL / Business Standard. Smart Investor. 28 February 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta board approves proposed de-listing from BSE, NSE". Moneycontrol. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "FAQ on Sterlite Copper – updated 17th September 2018" (PDF). www.vedantalimited.com. Vedanta Limited (Press release). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Zinc day – production to grow after hiatus of 6 years" (PDF). Money Control. Motilal Oswal. 1 September 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta's aluminium output rises".
- ^ PTI Report (5 August 2016). "Vedanta Resources to invest $30 million in R&D: Anil Agarwal". www.financialexpress.com. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ PTI Report (16 March 2016). "Vedanta among top 10 sustainable firms in India: CII". www.dnaindia.com. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ Express News Service (28 March 2017). "Vedanta launches green initiative to dispose red mud in Odisha". www.newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ HBL Bureau (21 September 2015). "Govt inks MoU with Vedanta to build 4,000 'next generation' Anganwadis". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Vedanta aims to make women self-reliant by implementing skill development". Deccan Chronicle. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Press release – Ref.No.PR 71/2001 (19 April 2001)". www.sebi.gov.in. SEBI. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "16 years of fraud?". www.minesandcommunities.org. Mines and communities. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Sterlite copper – Know the truth". www.sterlitecopper.com. Sterlite Copper. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
- ^ "Power Cut for Vedanta-Owned Sterlite in Tuticorin: 10 Latest Facts".
- ^ Narasimhan, T. E. (18 April 2013). "Sterlite's pollution problem". Business Standard India.
- ^ "தூத்துக்குடியில் இயல்பு நிலை திரும்பியது". 25 May 2018.
- ^ "India shuts Tamil Nadu smelting plant after deadly protests". BBC News. 24 May 2018.
- ^ "Sterlite protest updates: 13 people killed, 102 others wounded, confirms new Thoothukudi district collector". 24 May 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta Aluminium & Abhijit Pati Honored & recognized at historic India Leadership Conclave & Awards 2018 – Odisha Affairs". odishaaffairs.tv. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
- ^ "Vedanta Limited registered office". www.vedantalimited.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Indian miner Vedanta's demerger faces government objection, CNBC-TV18 reports". Reuters. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ Kumar, Shivendra (20 August 2025). "Vedanta shares slip 3% after reports of govt objection to demerger, Sebi's warning". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ Kumar, Shivendra (18 August 2025). "Vedanta board to consider second interim dividend on Aug 21. Check record date". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ "Vedanta dividend alert: Board to decide second interim payout on August 21; record date set for August 27".
- ^ "Hindustan Zinc to set up 10 MTA tailings reprocessing plant at Rs 3,823 cr". The Economic Times. 18 August 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
- ^ "ESL launches digital cafe". The Times of India. 18 August 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
External links
[edit]Vedanta Limited
View on GrokipediaVedanta Limited is an Indian multinational natural resources conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, primarily engaged in the exploration, mining, and processing of metals including zinc-lead-silver, aluminium, copper, iron ore, and steel, alongside operations in oil and gas, power generation, and emerging technology sectors such as displays.[1][2] Founded by industrialist Anil Agarwal in 1979 initially as a non-ferrous metals trading business that evolved through acquisitions into a major diversified player, the company operates across India and internationally in countries like South Africa, Liberia, and Namibia, positioning itself as a global leader in commodities production.[3][4] Vedanta has achieved prominence as India's largest producer of zinc, lead, silver, and aluminium, with integrated operations from mining to smelting that contribute significantly to national output and exports, supported by substantial investments in capacity expansion and technological upgrades.[5][6] In fiscal year 2024-25, the company reported revenue growth to approximately ₹1,566 billion, driven by strong performance in core metals segments amid volatile global commodity prices, while pursuing a demerger strategy to unlock value in its verticals.[7][8] However, Vedanta's operations have been marred by recurring controversies, including environmental violations such as unauthorized fly ash dumping leading to multimillion-rupee fines, alleged breaches of forest and tribal rights in mining areas, and reports of covert lobbying to relax environmental regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.[9][10][11] These issues, documented in regulatory actions and independent investigations, underscore ongoing tensions between the company's resource extraction scale and compliance with ecological and community standards in ecologically sensitive regions like Odisha and Goa.[12][13]
Company Profile
Founding and Evolution
Vedanta Limited originated from Sterlite Industries, founded by Indian entrepreneur Anil Agarwal in 1976 as a manufacturer of jelly-filled telecommunication cables following his acquisition of Shamsher Sterling Corporation, a small enameled copper products firm.[2][14] Agarwal, who had earlier engaged in scrap metal trading after moving to Mumbai in his youth, recognized opportunities in India's nascent non-ferrous metals sector amid economic liberalization.[15][16] The company evolved rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s by diversifying into copper processing; in 1993, Sterlite became India's first private sector entity to establish a copper smelter and refinery with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes per annum at Silvassa.[17] This marked a shift from trading and basic manufacturing to integrated metal production, leveraging Agarwal's vision for vertical integration in response to import dependencies and domestic demand growth.[18] By the early 2000s, expansions included stakes in state-owned assets like a 26% interest in Hindustan Zinc Limited in 2002, enhancing zinc and lead operations.[19] Further evolution occurred through strategic acquisitions and mergers, culminating in the 2007 purchase of Sesa Goa, an iron ore mining firm tracing to 1954, which integrated mining capabilities and renamed the merged entity Sesa Sterlite Limited in 2013.[20] The company rebranded to Vedanta Limited in 2015, reflecting its broadened portfolio in aluminium, oil and gas, and power, while remaining under the promoter control of Agarwal's family via Vedanta Resources Plc.[21] This progression transformed it from a cable producer into a diversified natural resources conglomerate with operations across multiple continents.[2]Corporate Structure and Leadership
Vedanta Limited operates as a public limited company incorporated in India, serving as the flagship entity for the Indian operations of the Vedanta Group, with its registered office in Mumbai. It functions primarily as a holding company overseeing diversified mining, metals, and energy segments, including zinc, aluminium, oil and gas, iron ore, steel, and power generation. The company is majority-owned by Vedanta Resources Limited, a UK-based parent holding approximately 68.3% of shares as of July 2024, with the remainder held by public shareholders, institutional investors, and minority stakes.[22][23] The corporate structure includes direct ownership or control of numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures, such as Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) for aluminium smelting, Sterlite Copper for copper operations (prior to certain divestments), and full ownership of entities like Western Cluster Limited and Vizag General Cargo Berth Private Limited for mining and logistics support. Hindustan Zinc Limited, a key zinc producer, is majority-owned (64.92%) by Vedanta Limited but operates as a separately listed subsidiary with significant public float. This layered structure enables segment-specific management while centralizing strategic oversight under the parent.[24][25] Leadership is anchored by the Board of Directors, with Anil Agarwal serving as Non-Executive Chairman since the company's evolution from Sterlite Industries, providing foundational vision rooted in his role as Vedanta Group's founder. Navin Agarwal, his son, holds the position of Executive Vice Chairman, guiding overall strategy and operations across business units. Arun Misra acts as Executive Director, focusing on zinc and base metals, while Priya Agarwal Hebbar contributes as a Non-Executive Director with family ties to the founding stakeholders. The board also includes independent directors such as Dindayal Jalan for governance balance, ensuring compliance with SEBI regulations on board composition. Key management personnel include Chief Financial Officer Ajay Goel, responsible for financial strategy amid the group's debt restructuring efforts.[26][27][28]Core Business Focus
Vedanta Limited's core business encompasses the exploration, mining, processing, and marketing of essential natural resources, with a primary emphasis on non-ferrous metals, iron ore, oil and gas, and associated power generation. The company maintains leadership in multiple segments, serving as India's largest producer of zinc, lead, silver, aluminium, iron ore, oil and gas, and ferrochrome, while operating low-cost assets across India, South Africa, Namibia, and Liberia.[4] Its operations prioritize critical minerals vital for energy transition technologies, including nickel production through Nicomet, India's only such facility, alongside emerging interests in semiconductors and glass substrates to support technological self-reliance.[4][1] Key segments include zinc-lead-silver mining and refining, primarily through subsidiaries like Hindustan Zinc, which focus on underground and open-pit operations yielding integrated metal outputs; aluminium production via bauxite mining, alumina refining, and smelting; and iron ore extraction for steelmaking inputs. Oil and gas activities, centered on Cairn Oil & Gas, involve exploration and production in Rajasthan and other basins, contributing to domestic energy supply. Power generation supports these metal operations through captive thermal and hydro facilities, ensuring cost efficiency.[1][5] Vedanta's strategy integrates sustainability, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a $5 billion investment over the next decade, while expanding capacities to meet rising demand in electronics, renewables, and infrastructure. In 2025, the company pursued $20 billion in expansions across metals and energy segments, seeking global partnerships to enhance technological and operational scale. This diversified model generates robust cash flows from value-added products, positioning Vedanta as a pivotal supplier in global commodity chains despite environmental and regulatory challenges in mining-intensive regions.[4][29][1]Historical Development
Origins in Sterlite Industries
Sterlite Industries (India) Limited originated from the entrepreneurial efforts of Anil Agarwal, who established the foundational business of the Vedanta group in 1976 through a scrap metal dealership in Mumbai.[30] This venture marked Agarwal's entry into the metals sector, leveraging low-cost scrap trading to build capital for industrial expansion. By 1979, Agarwal acquired Shamsher Sterling Corporation, a small cable manufacturing firm, which provided the platform for diversification into wire and cable production.[31] In 1986, Agarwal formally expanded into manufacturing by founding Sterlite Industries, initially focusing on jelly-filled telecommunication cables to capitalize on India's growing infrastructure needs.[32] The company quickly pivoted toward non-ferrous metals, aligning with Agarwal's vision of vertical integration in base metals processing. A pivotal milestone occurred in 1993, when Sterlite Industries commissioned India's first privately owned copper smelter and refinery in Silvassa with a capacity of 60,000 metric tons per annum, challenging the state-dominated sector and establishing private enterprise in primary metal production.[17] Sterlite's growth accelerated through subsequent investments, including the Thoothukudi copper complex operationalized in 1996, which boosted refining capacity to over 400,000 metric tons annually by the early 2000s and positioned the company as India's largest private copper producer.[33] This expansion relied on Agarwal's strategy of acquiring undervalued assets and importing technology, transforming Sterlite from a cables and trading entity into a integrated mining and smelting powerhouse. By the mid-2000s, Sterlite Industries had diversified into aluminum and zinc via subsidiaries, laying the groundwork for the broader Vedanta group's consolidation, though environmental and regulatory challenges, such as emissions violations at Thoothukudi, began surfacing amid rapid scaling.[34] These origins in Sterlite underscored a model of aggressive private-sector industrialization, driven by Agarwal's hands-on management and focus on high-margin downstream processing.Sesa Goa Integration
In 2007, Vedanta Resources plc acquired a 51% controlling stake in Sesa Goa Limited, India's largest private-sector iron ore exporter, from Mitsui & Co. for approximately USD 981 million, marking the initial integration of Sesa Goa's iron ore operations into the Vedanta group.[20][35] This acquisition provided Vedanta with significant exposure to high-grade iron ore mining in Goa and Karnataka, with Sesa Goa's operations including open-cast mines producing over 20 million tonnes annually at peak, alongside pig iron production.[36] The full structural integration occurred through an all-share merger announced on February 25, 2012, combining Sesa Goa with Sterlite Industries (India) Limited, Vedanta's primary non-ferrous metals entity focused on copper, zinc, and aluminium.[37][38] Under the scheme, Sterlite merged into Sesa Goa at a ratio of 3 Sesa Goa shares for every 5 Sterlite shares, approved by the Bombay High Court on April 3, 2013, and effective August 17, 2013.[39][40] The merger aimed to streamline group operations, achieve cost synergies estimated at USD 50-75 million annually, and reduce debt by leveraging Sesa Goa's stronger balance sheet, while creating a diversified metals platform under Vedanta Resources' 58.3% post-merger stake.[37][41] Post-merger, the entity was renamed Sesa Sterlite Limited on September 20, 2013, reflecting the combined iron ore and base metals portfolio, before rebranding to Vedanta Limited on April 22, 2015, to align with the parent company's identity.[42] This integration enhanced operational efficiencies, such as shared logistics for ore exports and smelting synergies, but also introduced challenges like regulatory scrutiny over mining leases in Goa amid environmental concerns.[43] By consolidating assets valued at over USD 20 billion in production capacity, it positioned the company as India's second-largest diversified natural resources firm.[44]Acquisition by Vedanta Resources and Expansion
In 2007, Vedanta Resources plc, the London-listed parent company controlled by Anil Agarwal, acquired a 51% controlling stake in Sesa Goa Limited, India's largest private-sector iron ore producer, from Japanese conglomerate Mitsui & Co. for approximately $1.1 billion.[20] This transaction marked a pivotal expansion for Vedanta Resources into high-grade iron ore mining, leveraging Sesa Goa's operations in Goa and Karnataka, which produced over 10 million tonnes annually at the time.[45] Building on this, Vedanta Resources initiated a major restructuring in February 2012 by announcing the all-share merger of its subsidiary Sterlite Industries (India) Limited—a key copper and aluminium producer—with Sesa Goa.[37] The merger, approved by India's Competition Commission and effective on August 17, 2013, created Sesa Sterlite Limited (renamed Vedanta Limited in 2015), consolidating Vedanta's Indian ferrous and non-ferrous assets into a single entity valued at around $20 billion.[39][46] Under the terms, shareholders received three Sesa Goa shares for every five Sterlite shares, while Vedanta Resources retained a 58.3% stake in the merged company, simplifying group structure and unlocking synergies in mining, smelting, and power generation.[41] Post-merger expansion accelerated, with Vedanta Limited integrating upstream and downstream operations across metals. In 2010, Vedanta Resources had acquired zinc assets from Anglo American plc, bolstering the group's lead-zinc portfolio, which was subsequently managed under Vedanta Limited's umbrella.[47] By 2011, Vedanta Resources secured a 58.5% controlling interest in Cairn India Limited for $8.5 billion from Cairn Energy plc, injecting oil and gas capabilities into the group and later transferring a significant stake to a Sesa Sterlite subsidiary as part of the consolidation.[47] These moves diversified Vedanta Limited's revenue streams, with aluminium production capacity expanding from 0.5 million tonnes to over 2 million tonnes by the mid-2010s through brownfield projects in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, supported by captive power plants exceeding 4,000 MW.[48] Further growth included ferro-alloys and steel value chains, with investments in pig iron and metallurgical coke facilities tied to iron ore output.[49] By 2025, ongoing expansions targeted tripling aluminium output to 3.1 million tonnes via ₹13,226 crore ($1.57 billion) capex, alongside critical minerals exploration and a ₹1 trillion commitment in Odisha for new plants generating over 100,000 jobs. These initiatives, funded amid debt restructuring, emphasized vertical integration and export-oriented growth, positioning Vedanta Limited as a diversified metals powerhouse despite environmental and regulatory challenges in India.[50]Key Mergers and Milestones Post-2007
In February 2012, Vedanta Resources announced the all-share merger of its iron ore producer Sesa Goa Limited with Sterlite Industries (India) Limited, a key non-ferrous metals entity, to streamline group structure and create a unified natural resources platform.[37][51] The merger scheme received necessary approvals and became effective on August 17, 2013, forming Sesa Sterlite Limited as the combined entity with integrated mining and smelting operations across zinc, copper, and iron ore.[39][52] Vedanta's expansion into oil and gas accelerated with the 2010-2011 acquisition of a 58.5% controlling stake in Cairn India Limited from Cairn Energy, marking entry into India's private sector hydrocarbon production.[53] This was followed by the merger of Cairn India into Vedanta Limited, initially proposed in June 2015 and revised in July 2016 to address shareholder concerns over valuation and governance.[54][55] The transaction became effective on April 11, 2017, integrating Cairn's $8.5 billion in gross assets (as of March 31, 2016) and enabling debt reduction through access to cash flows from Rajasthan oil fields.[56][57][58] In March 2018, Vedanta Limited's resolution plan was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal for acquiring Electrosteel Steels Limited under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, securing a 90% stake for ₹5,320 crore and control of a 2.2 million tonnes per annum integrated steel plant in Jharkhand.[59][60][61] This acquisition diversified Vedanta's portfolio into flat steel products, leveraging existing raw material linkages from captive iron ore and coal assets.[62]Business Operations
Zinc, Lead, and Silver Operations
Vedanta Limited conducts its zinc, lead, and silver operations primarily through its 64.9% owned subsidiary Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), which operates fully integrated mining, beneficiation, smelting, and refining facilities in northwest India, alongside Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) for overseas assets. HZL holds approximately 75% market share in India's primary zinc market and ranks as the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer.[63][64] HZL's key mining assets include five zinc-lead mines: Rampura Agucha, the world's largest underground zinc-lead mine by ore production; Sindesar Khurd; Rajpura-Dariba; Kayad; and the legacy Zawar mine, plus one rock-phosphate mine. These feed downstream processing via four zinc smelters, two lead smelters, one pyro-metallurgical lead-zinc smelter, and captive power plants with a combined capacity exceeding 500 MW. In fiscal year 2024-25 (ending March 31, 2025), HZL recorded its highest-ever mined metal production of 1,095 thousand tonnes, a 2% increase year-over-year, driven by higher ore grades and operational efficiencies at Rampura Agucha and Sindesar Khurd.[63][65] HZL's contained metal ore reserves stood at 10.3 million tonnes of zinc, 2.8 million tonnes of lead, and 304.8 million ounces of silver as of recent assessments.[65] Silver is recovered as a byproduct primarily from lead concentrates at HZL's smelters, positioning the company as the world's third-largest silver producer with annual output around 714 tonnes in fiscal year 2023. Lead production occurs via electrolytic and pyro-metallurgical processes, integrated with zinc operations to optimize recovery rates. HZL's expansion initiatives target doubling mined metal capacity to 2 million tonnes per annum by 2030, supported by up to $2 billion in investments, including debottlenecking at existing mines and new projects to reach interim milestones of 1.2 million tonnes in 2025, 1.35 million tonnes in 2026, and 1.8 million tonnes in 2027.[64][63][66] VZI oversees international operations, including the Skorpion Zinc open-pit mine and refinery in Namibia (focused on oxide ores), the largely depleted Lisheen mine in Ireland, and Black Mountain Mining in South Africa with underground shafts at Deeps and Swartberg producing zinc-lead-silver concentrates. VZI also advances the Gamsberg project in South Africa, with Phase 2 expansion approved in 2022 aiming for ramp-up by 2025-26 to boost output significantly. Fiscal year 2024-25 saw VZI production decline due to suspensions at Black Mountain and headwinds at Skorpion, though the unit employs over 2,700 personnel, predominantly local in South Africa.[63][67][68] A proposed 2023 sale of VZI assets to HZL for $2.98 billion faced opposition from the Indian government, which holds a 29.5% stake in HZL, and remains uncompleted as of 2025.[69][70]Aluminium and Associated Power Generation
Vedanta Limited's aluminium operations are conducted primarily through its subsidiary Vedanta Aluminium & Power Limited, encompassing primary aluminium smelting, refining, and value-added product manufacturing. The business maintains two key smelting facilities: one at Jharsuguda in Odisha with a capacity of 1.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of primary aluminium, and Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) at Korba in Chhattisgarh, operating at 0.58 MTPA with ongoing expansions targeting 1 MTPA.[71][72] In the financial year ending March 31, 2025, total aluminium production reached 2.42 million tonnes, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase driven by operational efficiencies at Jharsuguda.[73] The company is investing ₹13,226 crore to expand overall aluminium capacity to 3.1 MTPA by fiscal year 2028, emphasizing cost-efficient production and integration of downstream value-added segments like billets (current casting capacity of 580,000 tonnes per annum, expanding by 670,000 tonnes).[74][73] BALCO, in which Vedanta holds a 51% stake (with the Government of India owning 49%), focuses on smelting and power integration at its Korba site. On October 13, 2025, BALCO achieved a milestone by tapping the first metal from India's largest 525 kiloampere (kA) reduction pots under its expansion project, enhancing efficiency and output potential.[75] This facility produces primary aluminium products including ingots, billets, wire rods, and alloys, supporting sectors such as infrastructure and 5G cabling amid rising domestic demand.[76] Associated power generation is critical for the energy-intensive aluminium smelting process, with captive thermal plants ensuring reliable supply. The Jharsuguda complex includes a 3,615 megawatt (MW) coal-based thermal power facility dedicated to smelter operations, positioning it as one of India's largest integrated aluminium-power setups.[71] BALCO's Korba operations feature captive power stations, including expansions like a proposed unit for a 325,000-tonne-per-annum smelter addition, totaling contributions to Vedanta's broader 4,780 MW private-sector power portfolio.[77][78] To mitigate environmental impacts and align with sustainability goals, Vedanta Aluminium has secured long-term agreements for 380 MW of renewable energy and 1,335 MW nationally, while deploying biomass briquettes in power generation as of April 2024.[79][80] These measures supplement thermal capacity without compromising smelter reliability.Oil, Gas, and Ferro Alloys
Vedanta Limited's oil and gas operations are primarily managed through its subsidiary Cairn Oil & Gas, which became integrated following the merger with Cairn India on April 11, 2017.[81] This entity operates as India's largest private-sector exploration and production company, holding a portfolio of 58 blocks with over 50 hydrocarbon discoveries, including the Mangala field in Rajasthan, identified as India's largest onshore oil discovery in more than a decade.[81] Gross operated production averaged 161 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboepd) in fiscal year 2022 (FY2022), contributing approximately 25% of India's domestic crude oil output as of FY2020.[81] More recent figures indicate a decline, with gross operated production at 109 kboepd for the first half of FY2025, reflecting a 19% year-over-year drop attributed to natural reservoir decline.[82] Exploration and production efforts employ advanced techniques such as 3D seismic imaging, hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, and polymer flooding, with 74 new wells brought online in FY2021 to sustain output.[81] Cairn Oil & Gas focuses on both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons across onshore, offshore, and deepwater domains, aiming to bolster India's energy self-reliance by reducing oil import dependency by up to 10%.[81] Recent initiatives include commissioning a new gas processing terminal to add approximately 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of capacity, alongside ongoing investments in open acreage licensing policy (OALP) blocks, though these contributed only 3.7% of FY2025 gross production amid historical underinvestment in exploration totaling ₹4,230 crore since acquisition.[81][83] In ferro alloys, Vedanta operates through Ferro Alloys Corporation Limited (FACOR), acquired in September 2020, which specializes in high-carbon ferrochrome (charge chrome) essential for stainless and specialty steel production.[84] FACOR maintains a nameplate production capacity of 142 kilotons per annum (KTPA) for ferrochrome at its facilities in Bhadrak, Odisha, supported by an integrated 100 MW captive power plant and chrome ore mining operations.[85] Chrome ore production reached 250 kilotons in FY2022, with mining capacity at 320 KTPA.[84] Production volumes have varied, with ferrochrome output dropping 28% year-over-year to 19,000 tons in the second quarter of FY2026 (July-September 2025), primarily due to a one-month planned maintenance shutdown.[86] Expansion efforts include regulatory approval in August 2024 to double ferrochrome capacity from 145,000 tons per year to 300,000 tons per year via two additional furnaces at the Odisha plant.[87] In October 2025, Vedanta announced plans for a ₹2,000 crore ultra-modern ferro-alloys plant in Keonjhar, Odisha, as part of a broader ₹1 trillion investment commitment in the state to enhance downstream capabilities and job creation.[88] These developments align with FACOR's role as one of India's leading exporters of ferro alloys, leveraging chromite beneficiation to minimize waste and improve efficiency.[89]Iron Ore, Steel, and Other Mining
Vedanta Limited conducts its iron ore mining operations primarily through Sesa Goa Iron Ore Limited, a subsidiary focused on the exploration, mining, beneficiation, and export of high-grade iron ore from deposits in Goa and Karnataka.[90] Established in 1954 as Scambi Economici SA Goa and later integrated into the Vedanta Group, Sesa Goa operates multiple mines and holds a significant share of India's iron ore production capacity, emphasizing low-phosphorus, high-iron-content ores suitable for pelletization and direct shipping.[91] Operations in Goa faced a suspension from 2018 to 2024 due to environmental and regulatory disputes, but mining resumed on April 4, 2024, under renewed leases and stricter compliance measures, enabling the extraction of approximately 20 million tonnes annually across the state once fully operational.[92] In Karnataka, Vedanta was declared the preferred bidder for the Janthakal Iron Ore Mine—a 71.16-hectare G3-grade deposit—on July 24, 2025, following a competitive auction process aimed at bolstering domestic resource security.[93] The company's steel production is centered on ESL Steel Limited, a greenfield integrated steel plant in Bokaro, Jharkhand, with a commissioned capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum of saleable steel products, including billets, TMT bars, and structural sections produced via electric arc furnace technology using scrap and sponge iron inputs.[94] Vedanta acquired a 90% stake in Electrosteel Steels Limited in June 2018 amid the latter's insolvency proceedings, subsequently reorienting it toward sustainable steelmaking with a focus on value-added downstream products.[95] To enhance integration with upstream iron ore supplies, Vedanta announced a US$348 million expansion in 2023 to double ESL's capacity to 3 million tonnes per annum by adding melting and rolling facilities, targeting growth in construction and infrastructure sectors.[96] Production metrics reflect operational challenges, with saleable steel output reaching 349,000 tonnes in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (April–June 2025), a 2% decline from the prior quarter due to raw material constraints and market dynamics.[97] Complementing these activities, Vedanta incorporated Sesa Iron & Steel Limited in September 2023 as a wholly-owned subsidiary in Goa, positioned to consolidate iron ore beneficiation with pig iron and basic steel processing, thereby reducing logistics costs and improving value chain efficiency amid rising domestic steel demand.[98] Other mining efforts under this segment include exploratory work in associated minerals like manganese and limestone in Karnataka, though these remain ancillary to core iron ore extraction and contribute minimally to overall output.[90]Copper Smelting and Processing
Vedanta Limited's copper smelting and processing operations are centered on its Sterlite Copper unit, featuring an integrated facility in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India, designed to process copper concentrates into refined copper products. The smelter, operational since 1997, has a nameplate capacity of 400,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of refined copper, making it one of the largest in India prior to its closure, and historically the country's primary producer contributing up to 36% of domestic refined copper demand. Associated processing includes a refinery for producing copper cathodes via electrolytic refining of smelter anodes, a continuous cast rod plant for manufacturing copper rods used in electrical wiring, and ancillary plants for by-products such as sulphuric acid (capacity 1,314 tonnes per day) and phosphoric acid (500 tonnes per day), supporting fertilizer production. The facility was engineered for zero liquid discharge, recycling wastewater and treating effluents to minimize environmental impact.[99][100][101] The smelting process involves flash smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister copper and anodes, followed by fire refining and electrolytic refining to achieve high-purity cathodes (99.99% copper), which are then rolled into rods. Vedanta also engages in custom smelting, processing third-party copper concentrates on a tolling basis, generating revenue through treatment and refining charges (TC/RC) benchmarked against global standards like those from the London Metal Exchange. This custom operation continued post-closure of primary production, with volumes adjusted for market TC/RC realizations, contributing to segmental EBITDA. Additionally, a refinery and rod plant in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, supports downstream processing, with recent shifts of machinery from Tuticorin to enable expansion there amid the main site's inactivity.[102][103][104] The Tuticorin facility faced operational halts starting with a 2013 National Green Tribunal order for environmental violations, escalating to a permanent closure in 2018 by the Tamil Nadu government following protests over alleged pollution, including groundwater contamination and emissions, which resulted in 13 deaths during clashes with police. The Supreme Court of India upheld the closure in 2024, rejecting Vedanta's appeals, and in 2025, the Madras High Court denied reopening pleas, prompting approvals to relocate expansion-related machinery to Silvassa over an 80-day period ending June 3, 2025. As a result, primary smelting at Tuticorin remains suspended as of October 2025, shifting focus to custom processing, imports for domestic supply, and potential new ventures, such as a planned 400,000 MTPA smelter in Saudi Arabia announced in 2024, though not yet under Vedanta Limited's direct Indian operations. This downtime has reduced India's self-sufficiency in refined copper, increasing reliance on imports and highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities for the energy transition sector.[105][106][107]Ownership and Financials
Shareholding and Promoter Influence
Promoters of Vedanta Limited hold 56.38% of the company's equity shares as of September 2025, providing substantial control over corporate decisions.[108] [109] This stake is primarily owned by offshore entities affiliated with the Agarwal family, including Twin Star Holdings Ltd. (approximately 40.02%) and other holding companies under Volcan Investments, which ultimately trace back to founder Anil Agarwal.[110] The remaining shares are distributed among institutional investors (around 27%), with foreign institutional investors (FIIs) at 10.6%, domestic mutual funds and other institutions at about 16.8%, and public/retail shareholders holding roughly 16-17%.[111] [112]| Shareholder Category | Percentage (Sep 2025) |
|---|---|
| Promoters | 56.38% |
| Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) | 10.6% |
| Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) | 16.8% |
| Public and Others | 16.14% |
| Employee Trusts | 0.13% |
Revenue, EBITDA, and Profit Trends
Vedanta Limited's consolidated revenue grew modestly from ₹141,793 crore in FY 2023-24 to ₹150,725 crore in FY 2024-25, representing a 6% year-over-year increase attributable to higher production volumes in zinc and aluminium segments amid stable commodity prices.[117][118] EBITDA expanded more robustly from ₹36,455 crore in FY 2023-24 (3% YoY growth) to ₹43,541 crore in FY 2024-25 (19% YoY growth), with the margin improving to 34% from approximately 25.7%, driven by cost optimization, higher realizations, and operational leverage.[117][118] Net profit after tax surged to ₹17,928 crore in FY 2024-25, a 170.7% increase from ₹6,624 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting reduced exceptional losses, improved segment profitability, and effective debt management.[119] This trend of accelerating profitability continued into Q1 FY 2025-26 (ended June 30, 2025), where EBITDA reached a record ₹10,746 crore, up 2% YoY, supported by strong aluminium and zinc performances despite seasonal factors.[120][121]| Fiscal Year | Revenue (₹ crore) | EBITDA (₹ crore) | Net Profit (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2023-24 | 141,793 | 36,455 | 6,624 |
| FY 2024-25 | 150,725 | 43,541 | 17,928 |
Debt Management and Capital Raising
Vedanta Limited's gross debt stood at ₹73,853 crore as of 31 March 2025, up ₹2,094 crore from the prior year, while net debt was ₹53,251 crore, equivalent to $6.2 billion, following a deleveraging of approximately $500 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025.[8] [122] This resulted in a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.2x, an improvement from 1.5x in March 2024 and 1.4x in December 2024, driven by enhanced cash flows from operations and cost optimization measures that yielded an EBITDA gain of ₹1,331 crore.[8] [122] Debt management strategies emphasized proactive liability restructuring and refinancing to extend maturities and reduce costs, aligning with broader group efforts where the parent Vedanta Resources lowered overall debt by $4 billion over three years ending 2025.[123] In fiscal year 2026, the company refinanced portions of its debt portfolio, achieving a 130 basis points year-on-year decline in average borrowing costs to 9.2%, facilitated by operational efficiencies and selective repayments of higher-yield obligations.[124] For capital raising, Vedanta issued non-convertible debentures totaling ₹5,000 crore in mid-2025, with the tranche launched in June featuring a base size of ₹4,100 crore and a greenshoe option to support refinancing, debt servicing, and working capital needs.[124] [125] These instruments, predominantly in rupees (comprising about 82% of the debt portfolio), helped maintain liquidity while prioritizing lower-cost domestic funding over external borrowings.[126] Complementary measures included group-level stake divestments, such as a $500 million sale in April 2025, which generated proceeds for debt repayment and growth investments without diluting core operations.[127]Dividend Policies and Shareholder Returns
Vedanta Limited's dividend distribution policy, formalized in May 2015 and compliant with the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015, emphasizes equitable distribution of profits while retaining sufficient funds for growth, debt reduction, and operational needs.[128] The policy evaluates dividends based on parameters including current and projected earnings, cash flows, capital expenditure requirements, debt covenants, and overall financial health, without committing to a fixed payout ratio.[118] It prioritizes interim dividends to reflect operational cash generation, particularly from commodities like zinc, aluminum, and oil & gas, aligning payouts with quarterly performance rather than annual finals.[129] The company has maintained a track record of frequent interim dividends, with multiple payouts per fiscal year since FY 2020-21, totaling over ₹30 per share annually in recent periods despite volatile commodity cycles.[129] For FY 2024-25, Vedanta declared four interim dividends aggregating ₹43.50 per share: ₹11.00 (June 2024), ₹4.00 (August 2024), ₹20.00 (September 2024), and ₹8.50 (January 2025), resulting in a dividend yield of 9.3% based on average share prices.[129] In FY 2023-24, payouts included ₹18.50 (June 2023) and ₹11.00 (January 2024), contributing to a yield of 6.5%.[129] Earlier years showed variability: FY 2020-21 dividends approximated ₹1.44 (adjusted for splits), rising sharply post-pandemic amid metal price recoveries.[130] Dividend payout ratios have frequently exceeded 100% of net profits in recent fiscal years—for instance, 106.47% in FY 2024-25—indicating reliance on free cash flows and asset monetization rather than pure earnings coverage, which raises questions about long-term sustainability amid high debt levels.[131][132] This aggressive stance has positioned Vedanta among India's highest-yielding stocks, with FY 2024-25 free cash flow payout at 80.6%, but it contrasts with subdued total shareholder returns driven by flat stock performance.[133][134] Shareholder returns have centered on dividends, with no share buybacks executed by Vedanta Limited since at least FY 2020; a 2021 buyback attempt by parent Vedanta Resources Limited received only 58% subscription and did not involve the Indian subsidiary directly.[135] The policy supports value unlocking through demergers and inorganic opportunities, but dividends remain the primary mechanism, yielding 6-9% annually from FY 2023-25 amid efforts to deleverage.[118][136]Governance and Sustainability
Board Composition and Executive Roles
The board of directors of Vedanta Limited consists of eight members as of October 2025, comprising promoter-affiliated directors, an executive director, and independent directors, reflecting a structure designed to balance family influence with external oversight in line with Indian corporate governance norms under the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI regulations.[25] Promoter directors include Anil Agarwal, serving as Non-Executive Chairman since the company's inception, providing strategic vision rooted in his founding role; Navin Agarwal as Executive Vice Chairman, overseeing operational and growth strategies across mining and metals segments; and Priya Agarwal Hebbar as Non-Executive Director, contributing to family-led decision-making on long-term investments.[26] [25] Arun Misra holds the position of Executive Director, with responsibilities extending to leadership in the zinc business, leveraging over three decades of experience in metals and mining operations.[26] The independent directors, numbering five, include Dindayal Jalan, a finance expert with prior roles at State Bank of India; P.K. Mukherjee, former Chairman of SAIL with expertise in steel and heavy industries; R. Gopalan (appointed as Additional Independent Director on January 31, 2025, replacing Padmini Sekhsaria), a retired IAS officer with governance experience; and Pallavi Joshi Bakhru, an investment professional focused on private equity and infrastructure.[25] [137] These independents serve on key committees such as audit and nomination, ensuring compliance and risk management, though promoter influence remains dominant given the Agarwal family's control over approximately 65% of voting shares via Vedanta Resources.[25]| Director Name | Role | Key Background |
|---|---|---|
| Anil Agarwal | Non-Executive Chairman | Founder of Vedanta Group; strategic oversight.[25] |
| Navin Agarwal | Executive Vice Chairman | Operational leadership in diversified metals.[26] |
| Priya Agarwal Hebbar | Non-Executive Director | Family promoter; investment focus.[25] |
| Arun Misra | Executive Director | Zinc business CEO; metals operations expert.[26] |
| Dindayal Jalan | Independent Director | Banking and finance veteran.[25] |
| P.K. Mukherjee | Independent Director | Former SAIL Chairman; steel industry specialist.[25] |
| R. Gopalan | Independent Director | Retired IAS; governance and policy advisor (appointed Jan 2025).[137] [25] |
| Pallavi Joshi Bakhru | Independent Director | Private equity and infrastructure investor.[25] |
Environmental Compliance and Initiatives
Vedanta Limited implements the Vedanta Sustainability Assurance Process (VSAP), an internal tool designed to evaluate compliance with its Sustainability Framework across all business units, including environmental standards. This process involves regular audits and risk assessments to align operations with regulatory requirements and corporate policies.[140][141] The company submits six-monthly reports on environmental clearance compliance to regulatory bodies, as mandated for projects like its 1.8 million tonnes per annum aluminum smelter and 1,215 MW captive power plant, covering periods such as October 2023 to March 2024.[142] In its FY2024 Sustainability Report, Vedanta detailed environmental performance metrics, including water management, waste recycling, and emissions tracking, under the theme of building lasting impacts.[143][144] Key initiatives include a four-lever decarbonization strategy targeting a 20% reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2025 from a 2012 baseline, supported by over 350 environmental projects and generation of 2.61 billion units of renewable energy as of July 2025.[145][146] Subsidiaries like Vedanta Aluminium apply the UN Environment Programme's Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) for site screening and habitat restoration, with community-driven efforts to enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystems announced in May 2025.[147][148] Vedanta Power promotes a "Zero Harm Culture" through programs like Suraksha Sankalp, emphasizing fly ash reuse and saline water utilization to minimize ecological footprints, as highlighted in operational updates from October 2025.[149] The 2025 Climate Action Report outlines progress in these areas, including third-party verified metrics on emissions and adaptation measures.[150] Despite these efforts, Vedanta's environmental compliance has been subject to regulatory scrutiny, with instances of fines for issues like fly ash handling in Odisha totaling ₹71.16 crore in April 2025.[151]CSR Programs and Community Engagement
Vedanta Limited allocates resources to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives as mandated under the Indian Companies Act, 2013, which requires spending at least 2% of average net profits over the preceding three financial years on specified activities. In FY 2023-24, the company reported expending ₹438 crore on CSR programs, benefiting 17.4 million individuals directly and indirectly, with 13 million women and children specifically reached through targeted interventions.[152] These efforts emphasize community development in operational vicinities, including mining regions in states like Odisha, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, focusing on education, healthcare, nutrition, skill enhancement, and women empowerment to foster sustainable livelihoods.[153] A cornerstone of Vedanta's CSR is the Nand Ghar project, launched under the Anil Agarwal Foundation to upgrade rural Anganwadi centers into multifunctional hubs providing early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare screenings via mobile units, and women's skill training. As of recent updates, over 9,000 Nand Ghars operate across 15 states, serving more than 320,000 children aged 0-6 and 260,000 women with services like e-learning, fortified meals, and entrepreneurship support, achieving 100% access to clean water and electricity in these centers.[154] The initiative aligns with national programs such as Poshan Abhiyaan, targeting malnutrition reduction, and includes partnerships like an MOU with the Rajasthan government for 25,000 additional centers to ultimately impact 70 million children and 20 million women nationwide.[155] Additional programs address skill development and livelihood enhancement, with Vedanta reporting the upskilling of over 75,000 youth in vocational, agricultural, and sports training during FY 2022, accumulating to 170,000 beneficiaries since FY 2016.[153] The Sakhi initiative empowers women through self-help groups focused on economic independence, while infrastructure projects include constructing roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and drinking water facilities in operational areas to improve community access and resilience.[156] The Anil Agarwal Foundation, underpinning many efforts, has committed ₹5,000 crore over five years to healthcare, animal welfare via The Animal Care Organization (TACO), and oncology treatment through facilities like the BALCO Medical Centre, which handled 285,858 outpatient visits and 56,987 chemotherapy sessions cumulatively.[154] Community engagement occurs through structured stakeholder interactions, including regular village meetings, feedback mechanisms, and consultative programs with local governments and residents near mining sites.[157] Initiatives like Project Panchhi, launched in FY 2024, support higher education and job placement for young women in host communities, integrating them into Vedanta's workforce.[158] Long-term goals include empowering 2.5 million families and uplifting 100 million women and children by FY 2030, with programs designed to break cycles of poverty via sustainable, community-led models.[153]Sustainability Metrics and Third-Party Assurances
Vedanta Limited reports its sustainability metrics in annual sustainability reports aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance across its metals and mining operations. In FY2025 (ended March 31, 2025), absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions totaled 67 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e), reflecting an 11% increase from the FY2021 baseline, primarily due to production expansions in energy-intensive segments like aluminium. GHG emissions intensity improved to 6.44 tCO2e per metric ton of metal produced, a 6.83% reduction from the baseline, driven by efficiency measures and renewable energy integration. The company targets a 25% absolute GHG reduction by 2030 from FY2021 and net-zero emissions by 2050, with US$0.17 billion allocated toward net-zero initiatives against a planned US$5 billion.[143] Water management metrics show a net water positivity ratio of 0.63 in FY2025, below the >1 target for FY2030, with total consumption at 199 million kiloliters (kL) and a 3% reduction in freshwater use from the FY2021 baseline. Water recycling reached 35%, exceeding the 33% target, with positivity achieved in five of its businesses. Safety performance included a lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) of 0.52 per million man-hours and total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) of 1.32, alongside seven fatalities (one employee, six contractors), against a zero-fatality goal. Energy consumption stood at 673 million gigajoules (GJ), with 299 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity secured toward a 500 MW FY2025 target and 2.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Waste utilization hit 96%, with fly ash reuse at 114% of generation.[143]| Key FY2025 Metrics | Value | Target/Progress |
|---|---|---|
| GHG Intensity (Scope 1+2) | 6.44 tCO2e/mt metal | 6.83% reduction from FY2021 baseline; 25% absolute cut by 2030 |
| Water Positivity Ratio | 0.63 | >1 by 2030; achieved in 5 businesses |
| LTIFR | 0.52 | 10% YoY reduction goal |
| Waste Utilization | 96% | 100% target |
| Renewable Energy Secured | 299 MW | 500 MW by FY2025; 2.5 GW by 2030 |
