Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, under the Department of Atomic Energy, to jointly explore critical and strategic minerals across the state.
The agreement focuses on collaborative research, scientific studies, exchange of technical expertise, capacity building, knowledge sharing and the adoption of modern exploration technologies in OMC’s mining leases and other mineral-bearing areas.
Officials said the partnership aims to accelerate the discovery and development of these minerals, positioning Odisha as a major hub for critical minerals and high-technology industries while supporting India’s broader goal of self-reliance in strategic resources.
The move aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission, launched by the Centre in January 2025 to secure sustainable supplies of minerals essential for clean energy, advanced technology and strategic sectors. The mission seeks to cut import dependence, strengthen domestic mineral value chains and improve global competitiveness.
Odisha already plays a significant role in this national effort, with the Centre selecting the state for one of four critical mineral processing parks planned nationwide. The facility is proposed at the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region in Paradip, backed by a Rs 500 crore outlay under the mission, to boost processing, value addition and downstream industries such as steel, electric vehicles and defence manufacturing. The state is also home to a Centre of Excellence at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology in Bhubaneswar and has seen extensive exploration by the Geological Survey of India and the National Mineral Exploration Trust.
The collaboration with AMD is expected to further leverage Odisha’s rich mineral endowment and OMC’s operational strength to advance the country’s critical minerals agenda.