Sterlite Copper

India has become net importer from net exporter of copper after the closure of the Sterlite plant, causing loses to the economy and downstream industries

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a petition from the Vedanta Group over the shutdown of Sterlite Copper unit in Tamil Nadu.

Vedanta Group sought EoI for sale of its Sterlite Copper plant that has been closed since 2018.

In May 2018, Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi owned by Vedanta was ultimately shut down by Tamil Nadu government following protests by the local people on the grounds of alleged environmental hazards caused by the plant.

The SC's decision came after Tamil Nadu govt allowed Sterlite copper plant owned by Vedanta to restart its operations temporarily

The decision was taken following an all-party meet chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at the secretariat in Chennai on Monday.

“We would be grateful to be allowed this opportunity to support the nation’s needs. Our staff stands prepared to get these two plants operational in the shortest possible time and begin dispatching oxygen to the critical areas as per your direction,” the letter continued.

The closure of Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi serves as an indicator of India's eager tendency to shun its self-reliance and inflict self-harm upon herself

Sterlite had supplied 38% of India's copper demand. After its closure, the demand was met by foreign companies.

The company has said that the various reports by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in support of the Sterlite Copper Smelter unit cannot be ignored.