Baphlimali mines

Strategically located in Doraguda in Rayagada district of Odisha, Utkal Alumina International Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Ltd., and a member of the Aditya Birla Group. The 2.27 MTPA Alumina Refinery Project is powered by a 90 MW co-generation thermal power plant, 7.0 MTPA captive bauxite mines and a 5 MW solar power project. The residual blanket-type deposit covers an area of 968 sq. km over the khondalite basements on top of the Baphlimali Plateau. The plateau boundary roughly resembles the map of India and is oval in shape, with maximum dimensions of 6.3 km and 3.2 km. It rises to about 150-200 m above the surrounding valleys.

The mine operates as a fully mechanised opencast facility, minimising manual intervention across all processes. Emulsion explosives are used for blasting, and eliminates the need for storage and handling of explosives, further reducing manual labour. A single fixed crusher plant with a capacity of 1,425 TPH is employed, ensuring there are no movable crushers inside the pit. An advanced 18.5 km long, fully covered belt conveyor system transports materials, effectively reducing truck traffic and preventing dust generation. Additionally, electricity is supplied from a captive power plant through overhead cables running parallel to the conveyor, ensuring a self-sufficient operation with no external intervention.