Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today lauded Odisha’s significant mineral wealth, accounting for over 41.9% of India’s total, during the 70th foundation day celebration of the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). He highlighted OMC’s remarkable growth from a ₹1 crore turnover in the 1960s to ₹23,600 crore in FY 2024-25, positioning it among the top 5 mineral producers nationally and a model state PSU.
Emphasizing the need for a mixed economy beyond agriculture, the Chief Minister stressed his government’s focus on value-added mineral processing and rapid industrialization, contrasting it with previous administrations. He noted that over 80% of raw materials are supplied to state industries via a long-term linkage policy through e-auctions.
Shri Majhi recognized the workforce as the “main source of development” and advocated for increased labor deployment alongside technology. He commended OMC’s CSR efforts, including planting over 9 million trees, and urged further investment in environment, education, health, and clean water in mining-affected areas, suggesting an iron pellet plant in the region.
The event saw the inauguration of resumed operations at Dubuna and Badabil iron ore mines, power supply to Tiring Pahad Mine and Rengalbeda RR Colony, and a 900 kW solar plant at Koida. OMC also launched four IT modules for logistics, finance, land utilization, and recruitment. Awards were presented to top-performing mines, and a magazine on OMC’s CSR initiatives was released. Notably, the Dubuna mine has a 3 million tonne annual iron ore and 0.05 million tonne manganese production capacity with significant reserves.
Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena underscored OMC’s role in Odisha’s industrial transformation, with 18 mines now operational, laying the foundation for a self-reliant state. Development Commissioner Anu Garg emphasized sustainable development through new technologies, while OMC Chairman Surendra Kumar delivered the welcome address, and Managing Director Sudhansu Mohan Samal proposed the vote of thanks.