Fri Jul 04 08:09:16 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A two-member expert committee has recommended a “green restart” of the Sterlite Copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which was shut down in 2018 due to environmental concerns and protests. The report suggests resuming operations with stricter environmental regulations, a hybrid production model (30% recycling), reduced slag generation, closure of the phosphoric acid plant, advanced emission controls, increased use of desalinated and recycled water, a Local Management Committee, and a significant CSR fund for community development. The report was submitted to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin.
**News Article:**
**Sterlite Copper Plant Could Reopen with “Green” Overhaul, Expert Report Suggests**
**CHENNAI, July 4, 2025** – The controversial Sterlite Copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, shut down in 2018 following deadly protests, may be given a new lease on life if recommendations by an expert committee are implemented. A two-member panel, commissioned to assess the plant’s viability, has submitted a report recommending a “green restart” of operations.
The report, authored by Ganapati D. Yadav and R. Nagendran, outlines a pathway for the plant to resume production while adhering to stricter environmental regulations and implementing more sustainable practices. Vedanta representatives recently presented the report to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Key proposals include adopting a hybrid production model, sourcing 30% of copper from recycled materials, which will significantly reduce slag generation by 15% and hazardous waste by 40%. The report also suggests closing the phosphoric acid plant to eliminate substantial material handling and reduce overall environmental impact.
Furthermore, the committee advises on enhancing emission controls through increased stack height and improved gas capture systems. A significant shift towards using desalinated water (80%) and recycling 100% of process water is also recommended, along with the use of municipal wastewater to reduce freshwater consumption.
To foster community trust and ensure transparency, the report proposes the formation of a Local Management Committee comprising community, panchayat, and plant representatives. A substantial ₹100-crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund would be established to support local schools, hospitals, skills training for women and youth, and environmental improvements.
The Sterlite plant’s closure followed years of protests over alleged environmental pollution, culminating in a police crackdown on an anti-Sterlite rally in May 2018 that resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians. Whether this new proposal will be enough to appease local residents and environmental activists remains to be seen.
First Piper 