OMC Should Expand Mining Operations Beyond Odisha: CM Majhi
What are you doing? Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) should expand its mining operations beyond Odisha and explore mining-based industrial activities in other states as global demand for minerals such as iron ore, bauxite and chromite continues to grow rapidly, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Friday.
Addressing the 71st foundation day celebrations of OMC at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister described the company as an important pillar of Odisha’s economic development and industrial growth.
Majhi said the company, which had a turnover of just Rs 1 billion in the 1960s, has become one of the leading mining companies in the country with a turnover of Rs 25,000 crore and record extraction of 45 million tonnes in the financial year 2025-26.
The Prime Minister also highlighted OMC’s successful pilot project for extraction of Platinum Group Elements (PGE) from Bangur chromite mine in Keonjhar district and said the initiative will support sectors such as clean energy, electronics and modern automobile manufacturing.
Emphasizing the need for balanced growth, Majhi said the OMC should focus not only on mining but also on industrialization and creation of more local employment in mining areas. He suggested that the company explore the possibility of setting up pellet plants for the use of fine iron ore.
The Prime Minister said, “Iron ore powders are no longer considered as waste. With advanced technology, they can be used in the production of pellets, which are in high demand in the steel production industry.”
He also advised OMC officials to ensure that workers associated with mining activities are not deprived of their livelihood due to increasing automation in the sector.
“There is high automation in mineral exploration and this threatens the livelihood of workers, especially those engaged in manual work. OMC should take care of these workers and explore alternative employment opportunities for them,” Majhi said.
The Prime Minister said OMC’s CSR initiatives in the areas of education, health, drinking water, women empowerment, sports and infrastructure development have positively impacted the lives of people living in mining areas.
During the event, Majhi inaugurated the permanent campus of Odisha Mining Model School in Kaliapani, eight Basic Life Support ambulances, Integrated Management and Monitoring Centers and digital health management system called O-Health. He also presented awards to the best performing mines and regions.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary DK Singh said OMC played a key role in the industrial growth of Odisha and emphasized the need to maximize the utilization of mineral resources for the development of both the state and the country.
