Kutch Copper Codelco partnership will explore the Kaburkaala copper project in northern Chile. The agreement brings together Adani Enterprises’ subsidiary and Chilean state-owned miner Codelco.
The companies announced the strategic exploration partnership on Thursday. The project lies in the Calama copper belt, within Chile’s Antofagasta Region.
The collaboration aims to strengthen India-Chile cooperation in critical minerals. Furthermore, it supports Adani’s plans to build an integrated global copper value chain.
The proposed arrangement will connect upstream copper resources in Chile with Adani’s smelter complex at Mundra, Gujarat. Consequently, it could provide long-term access to copper used in electrification and energy transition technologies.
Adani seeks long-term access to global copper resources
Jeet Adani, Director of Kutch Copper, described the partnership as a strategic investment in India’s resource security.
“Critical resources, led by copper, are at the very heart of our future transformation,” he said.
He added that access to global copper resources would strengthen supply chains. These resources support industries such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and technology.
Adani said the partnership would contribute to India’s resource security. It would also support the country’s ambition to become a global economic powerhouse.
Codelco to advance exploration through strategic partnership
For Codelco, the agreement forms part of its strategy to develop value from its exploration portfolio. The company plans to use public-private partnerships to share risks and advance projects with development potential.
Codelco Chairman Bernardo Fontaine said the agreement followed discussions with Adani over the past year.
“This MoU represents an important step in the work we have carried out with Adani over the past year,” Fontaine said.
He added that the partnership demonstrated Codelco’s ability to attract international partners. It would also help create value while protecting the long-term interests of the company and Chilean state.
MoU signed during LME Week 2026 in London
The memorandum of understanding was signed recently during LME Week 2026 in London. Jeet Adani, Adani Natural Resources CEO Dr Vinay Prakash and Fontaine attended the signing.
Under the proposed arrangement, Adani will contribute capital and technology-led exploration capabilities. It will also bring experience in executing large-scale projects.
Meanwhile, Codelco will contribute its geological expertise and international experience. Both companies have committed to responsible exploration, safety and environmental standards.
The partnership will focus on long-term value creation as exploration progresses.
Mundra copper complex supports Adani’s expansion strategy
Kutch Copper is developing a large single-location custom copper smelter complex at Mundra in Gujarat. The facility is designed around advanced technology, digitalisation and environmental, social and governance standards.
The Chile partnership could complement the company’s domestic processing operations. Moreover, it aligns with Adani’s strategy to diversify copper sourcing and strengthen India’s access to critical metals.
However, the announcement did not disclose the exploration investment, project timeline or estimated copper reserves at Kaburkaala.
