Konark: Odisha’s vision is to become a global leader in the mining industry, setting benchmarks for sustainable and responsible mining practices, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said today.
While inaugurating the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference at Konark, the Chief Minister said the State Government is committed to transform Odisha into a global industrial hub.
The State Government has been investing heavily in the steel and mining sectors, dedicated to meeting the state’s development and economic needs, through responsible mineral resource utilization, improving quality education, better healthcare and widespread public welfare programs, he said.
Shri Majhi said he comes from Keonjhar district that is truly blessed by nature. Surrounded by forests, hills and mountains, Keonjhar is the pride and glory of Odisha.
It is home to many valuable gifts of nature with abundant mineral reservoirs that have significantly contributed to the progress of both the State and country, he said.
Not only Keonjhar but every corner of Odisha is rich in valuable mineral resources. Odisha truly is Ratnagarbha,-a treasure trove of natural wealth, he said.
“The contribution of our state to India’s economic prosperity is unparalleled and we take great pride in being a key driver of our nation’s growth. I just learned that, there is a possibility of the much needed and very scarce Lithium, in one of the districts of Odisha. This is definitely good news for the E-battery industry,” Shri Majhi said.
Stating that Odisha is enriched to have almost every type of materials including coal, he said, “But unfortunately, till now, the true potential of Odisha, has not been found because of many other reasons including political will. All these things are going to change, change for the betterment of the people of the State.”
From just one major steel plant at Rourkela, now Odisha boasts of more than three dozen major steel plants and is rightly called the Steel Capital of India, accounting for over 25 percent of India’s total steel output.
With a projected growth in annual steel production, the state’s steel output is expected to increase substantially by 2030, he pointed out.
The Chief Minister said, “After our government came to power seven months back one of the first things that was done was to make a friendly industrial policy which includes, simpler permissions, minimizing procedural work and fast-tracking approvals through a single-window approval system.”
The results are for everyone to see. The State has received so many proposals including eight (8) MoUs signed with different industrial houses, he informed.
Of late, there has been a debate on industrialization vs environment protection. Now-a-days, greener technology is available which is making industrialization greener and cleaner. Now India has already passed 200 Gigawatt of non-renewable energy and is well poised to meet the target of 500 Gigawatt by 2030, he further said.
Now, he said, the next big thing will be Green Hydrogen in which Odisha is going to be a major player in the coming years. So, in a nutshell, both development and environment can co-exist and it is our responsibility to gift a cleaner and greener earth to our future generation.
“By leveraging our mineral wealth, investing in technology and prioritizing environmental and social responsibility, the State Government aims to make Odisha truly “Utkarsh”, Shri Majhi said.
From responsible extraction of natural resources to their sale and utilization, he said the State is playing a leading role in sustainable development in terms of adopting Sustainable Mining Practices across its operational mining areas.
Odisha’s development has accelerated rapidly due to the current “Double Engine Government”.
“One thing I must flag here, for all the states as I had earlier mentioned, is that I come from a mineral rich district. But, I have seen that people living in and around mining areas have not yielded the benefits. We have to keep in mind that people living in and around mining areas must be taken care of by the State as well as those involved in mining activities,” he added.
Through collaborative governance, the initiatives undertaken by the State and Central Governments for the welfare of the people are being implemented with greater speed and efficiency.
The Central Government is providing substantial incentives for infrastructure development and socio-economic empowerment across all sections of society, he stated.
Shri Majhi said he feels there is a little more need for undertaking research in mining activities, introducing modern technology, including drone technology and Artificial Intelligence to bring down operational cost and at the same time, conserving the environment.
Union Minister of Coal & Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre will soon launch the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependence, and encourage offshore mining auctions, while urging states to cooperate for sustained mining activities.
“The Mission will soon get Cabinet approval. The Union finance minister had announced about it in her budget speech. Import duty on critical minerals has also been made zero,” Reddy said.
Stating that India has already made a place in the global platform on critical minerals, the Union coal and mines minister said his ministry wants the public and private sectors to work in tandem in this regard.
Reddy also announced that India launched the auction of 48 critical mineral blocks, with 24 successfully allotted. “The fifth tranche offering of 15 critical mineral blocks was launched today, and industries have participated with full encouragement. This momentum should continue,” he added.
Among others, Deputy Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Telangana, Mines Ministers of 11 States, Industry Leaders, Officials of the Ministry of Mines, Representatives of State Governments and various delegates from the mines sector attended the conference.