THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 7, 2026

Emphasizing that higher mineral production must go hand in hand with balanced regional development and community welfare, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday urged mining leaseholders and industrialists to enhance iron ore output to support the state’s accelerating industrial expansion and the country’s growing steel demand.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan with key stakeholders from the mining and industrial sectors, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of increasing production while ensuring timely despatch in accordance with the Mineral (Auction) and Development of Mineral Production and Dispatch Agreement (MDPA).

Highlighting Odisha’s pivotal role in strengthening India’s steel ecosystem, the Chief Minister stressed that optimal utilization of mineral resources is essential for sustaining rapid industrialization and economic growth. He assured industry representatives that the state government would provide all necessary cooperation, policy support and facilitation to enhance iron ore output, enabling industries to operate efficiently and competitively. Majhi also encouraged industrialists to expand their presence in mineral-rich districts where industrial activity remains relatively limited, noting that greater investments in such regions would help achieve equitable economic progress and create new employment opportunities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centric development, the Chief Minister called upon mining leaseholders and industrial stakeholders to give due priority to the welfare of local communities residing in mining areas. He emphasized that industrial growth must contribute meaningfully to improving basic infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and overall quality of life for affected populations.

In a move aimed at improving transparency and promoting sustainable industrial expansion, the state government announced the creation of a comprehensive database on land acquired across districts for compulsory afforestation linked to industrial and mining activities. The initiative is expected to provide stakeholders with easier access to information regarding available land resources, thereby simplifying compliance processes and facilitating environmentally responsible development.

To further accelerate the growth of the mining sector, the government has also prepared an annual auction calendar for 2026-27, under which mining blocks will be auctioned in a structured and time-bound manner. The initiative is expected to bring additional mineral resources into production efficiently and strengthen Odisha’s position as a leading contributor to India’s iron ore and steel output.

Indian Steel Association President and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his steadfast commitment to accelerating industrial development in Odisha.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, and Additional Chief Secretaries Saswata Mishra and Hemant Sharma. Prominent industry leaders representing Tata Steel, JSW, AMNS India, OMC, and other leading organisations were also present.