India: Vedanta bags Karnapodikonda bauxite block in Odisha

• Karnapodikonda block spans 532.75 hectares
  
  
• Vedanta secures bauxite supplies for aluminium business
  
  

Vedanta Limited has been declared the preferred bidder for the Karnapodikonda Bauxite Block in Odisha following a competitive e-auction conducted by the Directorate of Mines and Geology, government of Odisha. The company received the official "Declaration of Preferred Bidder" on 27 February, 2026, at 4:20 pm IST. The tender process was initiated on 4 December, 2025, and Vedanta successfully qualified at the initial bid stage before participating in the live auction for the mining lease.

The Karnapodikonda block spans 532.75 hectares and is classified at the G2 exploration level. The acquisition is strategically significant for Vedanta, supporting its backward integration for aluminium operations and securing long-term bauxite supplies for facilities such as the Lanjigarh refinery and Jharsuguda smelter. This move enhances the companys supply chain efficiency, strengthens raw material security, and provides greater control over production costs.

The final list of bidders for the block, with a floor price set at 65%, included Shyam Ispat, Mythri Infra, Vedanta, PCIL Power, and Hindalco Industries. Vedanta's selection as the preferred bidder marks a key milestone in its resource acquisition strategy and reinforces its position in India's aluminium sector.