Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), India's sole integrated copper producer, is embarking on an ambitious strategy to revive several of its previously non-operational mines, a move aimed at bolstering domestic copper production and achieving self-sufficiency in the vital metal. This initiative is particularly focused on mines like Rakha and Kendadih in Jharkhand, which were shuttered for nearly two decades due due to economic unviability, but are now being brought back online. The Surda mine has also resumed operations. The primary driver behind this revival is the unprecedented surge in global copper prices and a projected doubling of India's refined copper demand to 2.6 million tonnes by 2030, propelled by growth in sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure. HCL plans to triple its ore production capacity from current levels to an ambitious 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by the fiscal year 2030-31. To achieve this, HCL has earmarked over ₹2,000 crore for mine expansion and development, with additional investments coming through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. For instance, a JSW Group company, South West Mining Ltd (SWML), has secured the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) contract for the Rakha and Chapri blocks in Jharkhand, committing an investment of approximately ₹2,600 crore. This asset-light approach allows HCL to leverage private sector expertise and capital. The revival of these mines is expected to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and contribute substantially to the local economy, reinforcing India's strategic push to reduce reliance on copper imports.