Sterlite Industries’ shut down of copper smelter because of local residents complaint of emissions that led to breathing difficulties has put the top copper users in a severe shortage of copper and has forced them to rely on Hindalco Industries for almost all their copper needs. Further, a routine shutdown at Hindalco's Birla smelter this month has heightened their problem.
Late last month, state-run Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board ordered the closure of the Sterlite’s copper smelter located in the southern Indian town of Tuticorin, following complaints of emissions from the plant, thereby putting about 3,000 tonnes per day of copper concentrates onto the market and sending fees to process them to a five-month high in Asia.
