Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 witnessed a key milestone today with the Department of Steel & Mines, Government of Odisha, hosting a sectoral session focused on two themes: “Strategies for Mineral Security and Sustainable Mining” and “Futuristic Mining Technology: Role of AI and Machine Learning”. The event was held at the Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar.
The sectoral session was inaugurated by Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Minister of Commerce, Transport, Steel & Mines, Government of Odisha in the presence of Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Steel & Mines Department; Sudhanshu Mohan Samal, MD, OMC; Rohit Kumar Lenka, Director of Mines and Geology, Govt of Odisha; industry experts and delegates.
Addressing the distinguished gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Minister, Steel & Mines, Govt. of Odisha stated, “Odisha is poised to emerge as a sustainable industry leader, driven by innovative practices and proactive government policies. I invite investors to leverage our state’s vast mineral resources and be a part of our growth story. Together, let’s shape a future industrial landscape that is safe, smart, and sustainable, and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat and be a part of Odisha’s growth story.” He also highlighted Odisha’s commitment to positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable mining practices and advanced technological adoption.
In the session Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Steel & Mines Department, presented insights into the State’s proactive policy framework aimed at fostering investment, innovation, and sustainable growth in the mineral sector.
He said, “Odisha stands as a premier mining hub of the country. Our State boasts an impressive array of mineral resources, which are auctioned to leverage large-scale market strategies and compete in the global mineral market. Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC) plays a vital role in supplying minerals, serving as a critical link in the mineral supply chain. To promote State-based industries, we’ve implemented the Long Term Linkage (LTL) policy, allocating up to 80% of saleable stock to state-based end-users.”
“Our department is committed to proactive integration of i3MS (Integrated Mines & Minerals Management System) in operations, prioritizing sustainable, environmentally friendly mining practices. By innovating and adapting, we aim to achieve sustainable development in Odisha’s mining sector.”.
The first session shed light on the pivotal theme of ‘Net Zero Mining’, emphasizing the need for sustainable mining practices. Experts deliberated on cutting-edge advancements in low-grade mineral beneficiation, eco-restoration, and reclamation of mined areas. The session also explored the vast potential of critical and strategic minerals, while showcasing emerging technologies in exploration and data interpretation, poised to revolutionize the mining sector.
The 2nd sectoral session, ’Futuristic Mining Technology – Role of AI and Machine Learning’, ignited thought-provoking discussions among delegates. Eminent speakers from industry leaders shared valuable insights on leveraging technology to boost mining productivity and evacuation. The session highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in mineral administration, and explored the future of mining, where innovation and technology converge to drive growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
The sectoral session was attended by key dignitaries including P M Prasad, Chairman, CIL; B.P Singh, CMD, NALCO; Chanakya Choudhary, VP, Mining, TATA Steel; Kailash Pandey, Business Head, Mines and Minerals, Hindalco Industries; David John Stone, CEO, Coal, Vedanta Ltd.; S Karunakar Rao, STC; Sauvick Majumder, COO-Mining, JSW; Dhiraj Kumar, Director, TexMin; Alok Mehta, Director Mines and strategy Project, AMNS among other senior government officials and delegates from several industry leaders and delegates.
