BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s proposed $11.5 billion aluminium project has received renewed attention during India–UAE discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the investment while reviewing bilateral economic cooperation. Financial Express
The proposal involves Adani Enterprises and International Resources Holding (IRH), an Abu Dhabi-based company within the IHC Group through 2PointZero. Their planned 50:50 joint venture follows an MoU signed with the Odisha Government on 2 July 2026.
Valued at approximately ₹1.08 lakh crore, the proposed complex would combine a four-million-tonne annual alumina refinery, a two-million-tonne aluminium smelter, a one-million-tonne downstream manufacturing park and a 4,000 MW captive power plant.
The company projects around 53,500 jobs: approximately 35,000 during construction and another 18,500 across mining, refining, aluminium production and downstream operations. These are estimates across different project stages, rather than existing vacancies.
Adani’s announcement also identifies potential demand for local suppliers in logistics, engineering, maintenance and ancillary industries. The manufacturing park is intended to support aluminium products used in transport, construction, power, packaging and renewable energy. Adani Enterprises’ project announcement
For Odisha, the opportunity extends beyond the headline investment figure. Connecting mineral processing with finished-product manufacturing could help more economic activity remain within the state. Local businesses could benefit through supply contracts, while young professionals could gain opportunities across technical and support functions.
However, an investment proposal is the beginning of a long development process. Its eventual impact will depend on implementation, environmental management, infrastructure readiness and the ability of local workers and enterprises to participate.
The measure of success will be how effectively this proposed investment translates into functioning industries, sustained employment and lasting value for Odisha’s communities.
Written by Snigdha Mishra | Interview Times