Hindalco Industries has announced that Utkal Alumina International Limited’s Baphlimali Bauxite Mine in Rayagada district, Odisha, has achieved Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3.1 certification.

With this achievement, Baphlimali has become the first bauxite mining operation in India to secure ASI Performance Standard V3.1 certification.

The certification covers planning, mining, onsite crushing and conveyor transportation of bauxite from the mine, which has an annual production capacity of 8.5 million tonnes. The mine supplies bauxite to Utkal Alumina’s refinery and forms a key part of Hindalco’s integrated aluminium value chain.

The latest certification takes Hindalco’s ASI-certified portfolio to 11 operations across mining, smelting and downstream manufacturing. Its certified operations include facilities at Mouda, Hirakud FRP, Taloja, Kuppam, Alupuram, Belur, Renukoot, Belagavi, Hirakud and Aditya.

Utkal Alumina is among Hindalco’s largest alumina-producing operations, with annual production of around 2.67 million tonnes. Baphlimali serves as the primary source of bauxite for the refinery.

Kailash Pandey, CEO-Aluminium Upstream, Hindalco Industries, said the certification reflects the company’s focus on embedding sustainability, transparency and responsible sourcing across its aluminium value chain. He added that Hindalco plans to expand certification across additional upstream operations.

Dr Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, said the growing number of Hindalco operations participating in ASI certification demonstrates the group’s commitment to recognised environmental, social and governance practices.

The ASI Performance Standard assesses environmental, social and governance performance across areas including biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, community engagement, human rights, occupational health and safety and responsible business practices.

The independent third-party certification audit was conducted by CETIZION Verifica under ASI’s Witness Assessment process.

According to Hindalco, the certification will support greater transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing across its aluminium supply chain while strengthening its sustainable mining and production practices.