Industrial growth, on one hand, helps nations to grow, create jobs, and build infrastructure; but at the same time, it often faces criticism over pollution, safety, and corporate responsibility. One such example is the Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which for many years remained one of the key contributors to the region’s growth.
However, some environmental concerns resulted in the Vedanta Thoothukudi copper plant closure in 2018, leaving thousands without jobs and raising questions about India’s dependence on imported copper. After living in a vicious circle of poverty for years, the locals and supporters of the closed Sterlite Copper plant are now urging the authorities to reopen the plant. Their demand raises important questions: Why do people want it back? What does it mean for the local economy and environment? And how can both sides — industry and citizens — find common ground?
A Quick Background
The Sterlite Copper plant, owned by Vedanta Limited, was one of the major industrial contributors in Tamil Nadu. The plant, when operational, contributed almost 40% of India’s copper production, making it an important part of the country’s supply chain for electronics, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
However, the Vedanta Tuticorin plant also faced serious allegations of causing pollution, which many locals and activists said harmed health and the environment. Following years of protests, including a tragic clash in 2018 where lives were lost, the Tamil Nadu government ordered its permanent closure.
Since then, India has relied heavily on copper imports, which has affected industries that need the metal for manufacturing and development projects.
Why Supporters Want the Plant Back
In recent months, the supporters of Vedanta Sterlite Copper have become increasingly vocal about their demand to reopen the facility and for the same, met Thoothukudi Collector K Elambahavath. The locals urge the collector to reopen the facility, after experts proposed copper production using eco-friendly technologies to address past concerns.
In line with the efforts, thousands of people from nearby villages, including Tsunami Nagar, Saminatham, Pandarampatti and Sankaraperi, and representatives from various organisations, including women self-help groups, lorry owners’ associations, auto rickshaw drivers and contract workers’ gathered outside the collectorate office to submit their petitions.
The proposal, which was prepared by former ICT Vice Chancellor Ganapati D Yadav and retired Anna University Professor R Nagendran, suggested a sustainable working model. The duo suggested producing 70% copper from concentrate and 30% from recycled copper to reduce slag and carbon emissions. Importantly, this model avoids phosphoric acid production, a process linked to pollution control and proposes sourcing water from desalination and the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
Balancing Development and Environment
The members from various associations, including the Thoothukudi Livelihood Protection Federation, Industrial Suppliers Association, and the local traders, fishermen, and villagers, supported a hybrid production model. One of the Vedanta’s supporters said the hybrid model is sustainable and would boost Thoothukudi’s economy. He urged the collector to consider and recommend the proposal to the state government.
The hybrid production model is expected to reduce the environmental impact. Using recycled copper would reduce the need for copper concentrate processing, which is the primary source of slag generation in smelting operations. Since recycling eliminates the ore-to-metal conversion stage, the generation of slag will be much less.
This sustainable approach would not just rebuild trust but also set an example for other industries in India, proving that development and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Conclusion
The locals’ calls to reopen Sterlite Copper show how important the plant was for jobs, business, and national production. Today, the plant’s reopening requires a balanced approach where industry operates responsibly, the environment is protected, and communities feel secure.
If done right, the Vedanta Tuticorin Sterlite plant could become a model for how India manages the delicate relationship between development and sustainability. The story of Sterlite is ultimately the story of modern India — a country striving to grow, but also learning that growth must come with accountability.
Vishal