Red Mud, A Green Solution: Vedanta Aluminium Partners with ICAR-CTCRI
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminum producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI). This collaboration aims to utilize red mud—an industrial by-product produced from the process of refining bauxite to alumina powder—to encourage sustainable agriculture and afforestation.
The focus of the initiative will be on converting red mud into a nutrient-rich growth medium, which can then be used for farming activities, restoration of degraded land, and supporting the afforestation of erstwhile red mud storage areas.
Construction and cement are recognized sectors for having repurposed red mud; however, Vedanta Aluminium is now reaping benefits by exploring its potential in agriculture. The project will leverage industrial capabilities and scientific research to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and support large-scale ecological restoration.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, noted, “We are laying the foundation for a future where industrial by-products such as red mud are effectively repurposed as environmental assets, a true ‘Red to Green’ revolution,” highlighting the long-term significance of the partnership.
Dr Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, emphasized, “This collaboration marks a significant milestone, combining ICAR-CTCRI’s robust agricultural research capabilities with Vedanta’s massive scale and industrial expertise.” He further added, “By working together, we hope to deliver innovative, scalable, and eco-friendly solutions that will benefit farmers, communities, and the environment alike.”
The aluminum producer giant has already made strides in reducing the environmental impact of red mud. Supported by Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh unit in Odisha, the company developed a process with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur that reduces bauxite residue by 30 percent while increasing alumina output and cutting down energy consumption.
Vedanta Aluminium is also the first in the country to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) in alumina refining. The company also established India’s first Bauxite Residue Processing Plant to support this sustainable approach.
Image Source: Vedanta Aluminium