Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has been continuously meeting the rapidly rising global demand for minerals such as iron ore, bauxite and chromite while playing a key role in the state’s industrialisation and economic development.
Addressing the 71st Foundation Day celebration of Odisha Mining Corporation at Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre here, the Chief Minister said OMC, which started its journey in the 1960s with a turnover of just Rs 1 crore, has achieved a turnover of Rs 25,000 crore during the 2025-26 financial year.
He said the corporation has created an all-time record by producing 45 million tonnes of minerals, establishing itself as one of the country’s leading mining organisations.
Majhi said the time has come for OMC to further expand its operational scope and undertake mining activities in other states as well. He advised the corporation to focus on industrialisation alongside mining activities, noting that it possesses abundant reserves of raw materials.
Stating that OMC has evolved into a major pillar of Odisha’s economic growth over the past seven decades, the Chief Minister said the corporation has been contributing a substantial share of its profits to the state government through dividends.
By responsibly utilising the state’s mineral resources, OMC is making an unparalleled contribution to the prosperity of both Odisha and the nation, he added.
Highlighting the corporation’s technological advancements, Majhi said OMC has successfully conducted pilot plant testing for extraction of Platinum Group Elements from the Bangur Chromite Mine in Keonjhar district. He said the development would enable OMC to play a significant role in supplying critical metals required for clean energy, electronics and modern automobile manufacturing industries in Odisha.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that OMC would make a major contribution towards achieving the vision of “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036.
He also emphasised the corporation’s efforts in environmental protection, safe mining practices and development of mining-affected regions. Through its CSR initiatives, OMC has implemented programmes in education, healthcare, drinking water supply, women’s empowerment, sports and infrastructure development in local areas, he said.
Majhi advised the corporation to increase employment opportunities for local residents in mining operations alongside the use of machinery to strengthen livelihoods in mining regions.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated the permanent campus of the Odisha Mining Model School at Kaliapani, flagged off eight Basic Life Support ambulances for residents of mining areas, and launched an Integrated Command and Control Centre along with a digital health management system named ‘O-Swasthya’. He also felicitated the best-performing mines and regions.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary D.K. Singh, who attended the event as a distinguished guest, highlighted OMC’s contribution to Odisha’s industrial growth and called for greater focus on utilising the corporation’s mining resources for the development of the state and the country.
OMC Chairman Girish S.N. delivered the welcome address, while Managing Director Sudhanshu Mohan Samal proposed the vote of thanks.
