Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has confirmed that there is Vast Reserves of Mineral Wealth in Balangir District. In a reply to the question of Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, MLA Balangir, Minister Steel and Mines, Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has tabled a detailed reply.
According to Minister’s reply, Preliminary exploration conducted by key agencies including the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Odisha, the Geological Survey of India, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited has established substantial deposits of major and minor minerals across Balangir district.
The identified resources include 202.77 million tonnes of bauxite, 26.312 million tonnes of manganese, 14.495 million tonnes of graphite, 8.5504 million tonnes of limestone, and 0.37 million tonnes of vanadium.
Details emerged in the Odisha Legislative Assembly following starred questions raised by Balangir MLA Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo regarding mineral extraction, quarry operations, revenue generation, and law enforcement actions. Replying to the query, Minister for Steel and Mines Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stated that out of 14 total mine blocks present in the district, only 3 mining leases are currently operational.
The official response revealed that the three working leases include Rarbahal graphite mine operated by A. Mishra, as well as two decorative stone mines—one at Khaliapada and Dangarpada operated by Ambaji Rocks and Minerals, and another at Kurlubhata operated by Kamadgiri Polyspine. Eleven other leases, including several auctioned graphite and manganese blocks, remain in non-working status.
Revenue collected from these major mineral operations saw a total of Rs 60,87,699 during FY 2023-24, Rs 38,60,054 in FY 2024-25, and Rs 51,92,668 in FY 2025-26.
With respect to minor minerals, the district recorded 43 stone quarries and 22 sand quarries operating in 2023-24. Operating numbers rose to 46 stone quarries and 23 sand quarries in 2024-25, and reached 47 stone quarries and 23 sand quarries in 2025-26.
The state government has scaled up enforcement measures against illegal mining, quarrying, transportation, and storage in Balangir over the last three financial years:
In FY 2023-24, authorities conducted 30 raids, seized 57 vehicles or equipment, and collected Rs 10,75,000 in penalties.
In FY 2024-25, the number of raids increased to 75, with 120 vehicles or equipment seized, 47 FIRs lodged, and total penalties amounting to Rs 50,92,359.
In FY 2025-26, enforcement actions intensified further with 172 raids, 194 vehicle or equipment seizures, 31 FIRs registered, 25,385 cubic meters of materials seized, and total collection reaching Rs 1,11,10,247.