Home / Business and Economy / Sterlite Copper Case: Vaiko Joins Vedanta Fight at Madras HC
Sterlite Copper Case: Vaiko Joins Vedanta Fight at Madras HC
2 Nov
Summary
- Vaiko allowed to join Vedanta's Sterlite plant plea at Madras HC.
- Vedanta challenges TNPCB refusal for a green copper plant.
- Green copper plant promises reduced emissions and waste.
The Madras High Court has allowed MDMK general secretary Vaiko to join as a respondent in a writ petition filed by Vedanta Limited. The petition challenges the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's (TNPCB) January 27, 2026, refusal to grant consent for Vedanta's proposed 'green copper' plant at the defunct Sterlite copper facility in Thoothukudi. Vaiko, along with Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu and activist R. Fatima, sought to implead themselves to oppose Vedanta's plea.
Vedanta is contesting the TNPCB's rejection, arguing it was based on a flawed premise that past issues preclude consideration of a re-engineered, environmentally superior facility. The company highlighted the national and global demand for copper and the benefits of its 'green copper' proposal, which aims to augment domestic production sustainably. This proposed plant utilizes an eco-friendly process with maximized recycled copper input.
The 'green copper' process, as explained by Vedanta, significantly lowers the carbon footprint by using recycled inputs and renewable energy. It projects a reduction in slag generation by 15% and hazardous waste by approximately 40%. The company also stated that this facility would achieve less than 0.9 kg of CO₂ emissions per kg of copper, about 50% less than the global average. The court has scheduled further hearings for November 20, 2026.
