The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 15, 2025
The Odisha government announced on Thursday that it plans to auction around 30 iron ore mines this year, in a bid to address raw material concerns of steel manufacturers and boost the state’s mining and steel sectors.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the assurance during a meeting with a delegation from the Indian Steel Association (ISA), led by its president Naveen Jindal, at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the steel producers’ concerns over the availability of raw materials, the Chief Minister said the state is committed to ensuring a steady supply of iron ore. An official release stated that the government is also expediting the operationalization of already auctioned mines.
Discussions during the meeting included the possibility of supplying iron ore at competitive rates through the state-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Majhi emphasized the state’s vision to become a key player in India’s industrial growth by providing necessary resources and infrastructure to companies investing in Odisha.
“The mining and steel sectors will play a pivotal role in making Odisha a prosperous state,” said the Chief Minister. “Our government is committed to supporting industries by ensuring the availability of raw materials and creating a conducive business environment.”
He further highlighted the state’s long-term development goals, stating that Odisha aims to become a growth engine for a developed India by 2047 and achieve prosperity by 2036, marking the centenary of the state’s formation.
Currently, India produces around 165 million tonnes of steel annually, with a national target to increase this to 500 million tonnes by 2047. Odisha, the country’s leading producer of iron ore and stainless steel, contributes significantly to this effort.
According to the state government, Odisha houses 54 integrated steel plants with a combined capacity of 41.21 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The state aims to scale up its steel production to 130 MTPA by 2030, which will require approximately 190 million tonnes of iron ore annually.
“Odisha will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s steel production capacity,” Majhi affirmed, adding that the government is working on mechanisms to ensure the availability of iron ore and other essential inputs at affordable rates.
