Hindalco’s Baphlimali becomes India’s first bauxite mine to secure ASI certification
Reinforces Hindalco’s leadership in responsible aluminium production, with 11 ASI-certified operations spanning mining, smelting and downstream manufacturing.
Rayagada, 13/8: Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Ltd., the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has secured Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3.1 (2023) Certification for its Baphlimali Bauxite Mine in Rayagada district of Odisha, making it the first bauxite mine in India to achieve this certification.
The certification covers the planning, mining, onsite crushing and conveyor transportation of bauxite from the Baphlimali mines, which have an annual production capacity of 8.5 million tonnes. The mines supply bauxite to Utkal Alumina’s refinery operations and form a critical part of Hindalco’s integrated aluminium value chain.
The achievement also takes Hindalco’s portfolio of ASI-certified operations to 11 across mining, smelting and downstream manufacturing.
The certified operations are located at Mouda, Hirakud FRP, Taloja, Kuppam, Alupuram, Belur, Renukoot, Belagavi, Hirakud and Aditya.
UAIL is one of Hindalco’s largest alumina-producing operations, contributing approximately 2.67 million tonnes of alumina annually. As the primary source of bauxite for the refinery, Baphlimali plays a strategic role in supporting the company’s alumina production.
Commenting on the achievement, Kailash Pandey, CEO – Aluminium Upstream, Hindalco Industries, said: “Baphlimali is a strategically important asset for Hindalco and a critical link in our integrated aluminium value chain. The ASI certification of Baphlimali underscores our commitment to sustainability, transparency and responsible sourcing across every stage of production. As we extend certification across our upstream operations, we are building an increasingly integrated and globally recognised responsible aluminium value chain — from mine to metal.”
Dr. Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), said, “The certification of the Baphlimali Bauxite Mines reflects the continued engagement of Utkal Alumina and the wider Hindalco Group with ASI’s sustainability standards. The growing number of Hindalco operations participating in ASI certification across different stages of the aluminium value chain demonstrates a commitment to implementing recognised environmental, social and governance practices and advancing responsible production across the sector. Such efforts play an important role in strengthening transparency, traceability and stakeholder confidence throughout the aluminium value chain.”
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global sustainability standards and certification organisation for the aluminium value chain. Its Performance Standard evaluates environmental, social and governance performance across operations, covering areas such as biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, community engagement, human rights, occupational health and safety, and responsible business practices.
The independent third-party certification audit was conducted by CETIZION Verifica under ASI’s Witness Assessment process, with members of the ASI Secretariat observing the audit as part of the organisation’s quality assurance framework.With global customers increasingly seeking responsibly sourced materials and greater supply chain transparency, sustainability certifications are becoming an important differentiator across industrial value chains. ASI certification provides independent assurance that operations are aligned with internationally recognised sustainability standards and responsible production practices.
The certification of Baphlimali reinforces Hindalco’s commitment to responsible mining, sustainable production practices and the development of globally competitive aluminium supply chains from India.
Reported by Gouri Pattnaik
