Hindustan Copper (HCL) has awarded a Rs 2,700 crore contract to South West Mining (SWML) for the reopening and expansion of the Rakha Copper Mines in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand.

The order also includes the development of a new underground mine at Chapri and the establishment of a modern concentrator plant.

SWML will serve as the mine developer-cum-operator (MDO) under a 20-year agreement, with the possibility of a 10-year extension.

Mining activities at Rakha Mine were suspended in 2001 due to operational challenges, and this move will result in re-opening of Rakha Mine after more than 20 years, marking a step in boosting copper production and enhancing HCL’s mining capabilities.