Ambaji Copper Project to Unlock Rs.22,000 Crore Mineral Wealth

Ambaji | Gujarat — Ambaji, one of Gujarat’s most revered Shaktipeeths, is now poised for a historic economic transformation. The ₹22,000 crore Ambaji Copper Project is set to revive long-closed mines and position the temple town as a strategic mineral powerhouse for India.

The ambitious project, spearheaded by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), aims to extract massive reserves of copper, lead and zinc spread across 185 hectares in Banaskantha district. The Gujarat government has earmarked ₹613 crore in the 2026-27 budget to restart mining operations that have remained shut since 1992.

Officials estimate that nearly 1 crore tonnes of mineral reserves lie beneath Ambaji, with copper alone valued at around ₹18,000 crore. So far, 9,300 meters of drilling has been completed against a target of 24,000 meters. Once fully operational within the next two years, the project is expected to generate over 2,200 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.

“This will be Gujarat’s first state-of-the-art underground mining project. It is not just about mineral extraction but about creating a long-term economic ecosystem for Banaskantha,” a senior official associated with the project said.

Experts believe the project could dramatically reduce India’s dependence on copper imports. Currently, nearly 90% of the country’s copper requirement is sourced from abroad. The Ambaji mines alone are projected to meet nearly 20% of national demand.

“With rising demand from electric vehicles, renewable energy and power grid expansion, copper has become a strategic metal. Ambaji can become India’s copper backbone,” an industry analyst noted.

The project is also expected to save substantial foreign exchange by increasing domestic production. Beyond economics, it seeks to revive Ambaji’s ancient legacy as a historic “Copper City,” restoring its identity on the global mineral map.

Project Highlights:

• Total Area: 185 hectares
• Estimated Mineral Value: ₹22,000 crore
• Government Investment: ₹613 crore (Budget 2026-27)
• Employment Potential: 2,200+ jobs

If executed as planned, the Ambaji Copper Project could redefine Gujarat’s industrial landscape while transforming a spiritual hub into a symbol of economic resurgence.