Nalco plans foray into copper,coal

8220;We are planning to enter into copper8230; copper mining,copper smelting and coal mining,8221; Bagra said by telephone. 8220;We are diversifying so that if one sector performs badly others will support it.8221;

The firm would focus on copper mining and smelting for now,he added.

Nalco,India8217;s third-largest aluminium maker,produced 361,262 tonnes of aluminium in the year ending March 2009.

The firm,which last week announced plans to invest in a nuclear power project as an independent power producer,is looking at prospects in coal mines in India and abroad,Bagra said.

8220;Other than coal properties for our captive power plant and smelter,we are looking for standalone coal mines,8221; he said.