Bhubaneswar: Odisha has exported 4,18,79,050 metric tons of iron ore to China during last three years, the state Assembly was informed on Thursday.
Sharing this information in the House, Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said that the iron ore exports generated substantial revenue for the state.
As per the Minister, the revenue earned from these exports amounts to Rs 2,418.85 crore. While the revenue earned during 2022-23 stood at Rs 321.08 crore, in 2023-24 it was Rs 1,086.96 crore. In 2024 (Till March 10), the revenue earned was Rs 1,119.10 crore.
The significant rise in revenue from iron ore exports highlights Odisha’s crucial role in India’s mineral trade.
The Minister further informed the House that some districts in the state have gold reserves.
Significant gold deposits have been identified in Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Angul, and Koraput, the Minister told the Assembly. Additionally, initial surveys indicate the presence of gold mines also in Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh districts, he informed the House.
Marking a significant shift for its mining sector, Odisha is preparing to auction its first gold mining block in Deogarh. The GSI and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) are concurrently investigating Mankadachua, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda in Keonjhar for gold potential. Technical committees will evaluate final exploration reports before recommending the next steps for commercialisation.
