Bhubaneswar: Asserting that Odisha is poised to contribute around 70 per cent of the country’s iron ore demand in next five years, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday invited industries to invest in the state in view of the booming industry eco-system.
Speaking at the Odisha State Roundtable at the ‘India Steel 2025’ conference in Mumbai, the Chief Minister said that by 2030-31, India’s iron ore consumption is anticipated to grow to 340 million tons. “In this period, Odisha is poised to contribute about 240 to 245 million tons of iron ore, thereby elevating our share from the current 58 percent to an impressive 70 percent,” he said.
Describing steel as the ‘mother industry’ of Odisha, Majhi said India ranks as the fourth largest producer of iron ore in the world, and Odisha is the largest producer of iron ore in India.
Majhi said his home district Keonjhar is a mineral-rich region that alone contributes over 50 percent of Odisha’s iron ore production. “I have witnessed numerous companies flourish through their mining operations in my district. I understand the value of this sector and its growth. This deep-rooted connection drives me to advocate for this sector, and it is precisely why I stand before you today,” he said.
Noting that the state government has taken every step for a booming industry eco-system, the CM said this is also reflected in the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave, held in last January in Bhubaneswar. “To meet the specific needs of industries operating in this vital sector, we are committed to secure raw materials, provide land, ensure connectivity through roads, railways and provide electricity and water,” he said.
Odisha leads India in terms of the estimated value of all minerals production, contributing to 47 per cent of the national output. Following the landmark amendment to the MMDR Act in 2015, our government successfully auctioned 44 major mineral blocks.
“Today, we are in the process of auctioning another eight major mineral blocks, with a combined resource of 323 million tons. Additionally, we plan to auction 22 more blocks by March 2026,” the CM said.
Odisha is also home to some of India’s largest coal mines – 16 of which are operational, collectively contributing to 24 percent of the nation’s total coal production. The data highlights Odisha’s contribution of 178 million tons of iron ore, 3.18 million tons of chromite, and 269 million tons of coal, said Majhi.
“I want to assure investors that the government will ensure the availability of sufficient minerals—iron ore, coal, and limestone—for the growing steel industry. Fortunately, all these materials are available in the state, and you don’t have to go shopping, anywhere else. As the steel manufacturing capacity expands, we will facilitate more production from mines.,” the CM said.
He further stated that Odisha holds the No.1 position in the production of both crude steel and stainless steel in India. As of today, there are 54 integrated steel plants in Odisha with a total installed capacity of about 41.21 million tons per annum.
“We aim for more than 130 million tons of annual steel production by 2030, requiring about 190 million tons of iron ore to be made available within the state,” Majhi said.
Highlighting the progressive and dynamic Long Term Linkage Policy through which Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) provides vital raw materials to end-users, he said OMC is in the process to boost its production of mineral ores to achieve a target of 75 million tons of iron ore by 2029-30.
“Now, we are setting our sights on developing a metal-based manufacturing value chain extending from raw materials to high-end engineering products. I am making a firm commitment here that we are transitioning from a model of resource extraction to value creation,” Majhi said.
Odisha’s Vision 2036 for Industrial Development outlines a bold roadmap that focuses on strengthening both upstream and downstream linkages promoting engineering goods, mining machinery, transport systems, and components for defence and aerospace.
“We invite every player in the metal value chain, to join us, in co-creating this transformative journey. Further, we hold a clear conviction that industrial development should progress hand-in-hand with social development. To this end, our government is making substantial investments in critical areas such as education and skilling with a robust network of existing polytechnics, ITIs, and finishing schools being established,” he said.
The state is also prioritising healthcare and housing for our workers and their families. We firmly believe that an empowered workforce, and a supportive community, are the bedrock of long-term industrial success.
The transformation we are witnessing in Odisha is not occurring in isolation. Our state is fully aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, and the national agenda for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
This alignment is yielding significant benefits enabling Odisha to receive massive infrastructure investments in railways, highways, airports, and ports.
Additionally, we are getting financial support for the development of new logistics hubs, power corridors, and industrial clusters.
Our single-window clearance system, coupled with dedicated project facilitation teams, positions Odisha as one of the most investment-ready states in India. We are working hard to make it the preferred destination of investors.
“I extend an invitation to all of you to be part of this remarkable transformation. Come, invest in Odisha and be a part of Samruddha Odisha growth story, which has already begun its journey. Invest in Odisha because, “Yehi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai,” the CM added.
