Overview
- Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan said the petition’s pendency will not bar fresh applications, leaving statutory authorities free to decide.
- State counsel told the court Vedanta had only sent representations to officials so far, prompting the court to grant liberty to file requisite applications before bodies such as the TNPCB.
- Vedanta’s affidavit outlines a hybrid model using about 30% recycled copper alongside concentrate, projecting a 34% cut in carbon footprint and roughly 40% lower hazardous waste.
- The plan cites advanced air, water and energy technologies, round-the-clock renewable power, suspension of the phosphoric acid unit, and a target of under 0.9 kg CO₂ per kg of copper.
- Industry and local representatives welcomed the directive, highlighting potential restoration of jobs, support for MSMEs and reduced import dependence after the 2018 shutdown.