Odisha CM seeks Centre's support to accelerate mining growth, focus on saturation-based development in mining areas
Bhubaneswar, June 2
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi held discussions with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar and sought greater support from the Centre to strengthen Odisha's mining sector and further enhance the state's contribution to the national economy.
During the meeting, the CM highlighted Odisha's growing importance in India's mineral economy and industrial development.
He noted that the state produced nearly 471 million tonnes of minerals during the 2025-26 financial year, generating approximately Rs 46,000 crore in revenue. He emphasised that stronger cooperation from the Centre would help accelerate the sector's growth further.
The CM requested expedited forest and environmental clearances for auctioned mineral blocks in Odisha.
He also sought the Union government's support for the allocation of the Sasubahumali Bauxite Block and the Thakurani Iron Ore Block to the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
The CM stressed the need for rapid development of rail and port infrastructure to make mineral transportation more efficient and cost-effective.
He also proposed the formulation of a suitable framework for filling abandoned coal mines with fly ash as an environmentally sustainable measure. Additionally, he sought Central assistance in providing advanced technologies for mineral analysis.
Union Minister Kishan Reddy underlined that issues related to the mining sector require coordinated efforts among multiple ministries, including Railways, Ports, Forest and Environment.
He proposed a high-level meeting involving all concerned Central ministries and the Odisha government to address mining-related challenges through a collaborative approach.
The meeting also focused on the development of mining regions and the welfare of local communities. Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of implementing welfare schemes in "saturation mode," participants discussed integrating Central and State government schemes, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds and corporate CSR resources to ensure comprehensive development in mining-affected areas.
Officials informed the meeting that Odisha has prepared a dedicated initiative named "CM Sampada" to achieve saturation-based development in mineral-rich regions through an integrated approach.
The meeting also reviewed issues concerning various Central mining PSUs, including Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited, National Aluminium Company Limited and Indian Bureau of Mines.
Senior officials from these organisations participated in discussions on key operational and developmental issues.
Senior state government officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, senior bureaucrats from various departments, the Union Mines Secretary and other senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, were present at the meeting.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rs 46,000 crore revenue is impressive but can we also talk about the rehabilitation of displaced families? Saturation-based development sounds good on paper but ground reality in mining-affected districts like Sundargarh and Keonjhar needs more attention. Hope DMF funds are actually reaching the people and not stuck in bureaucracy. Decentralise the process and let local panchayats have more say.
As someone from Talcher, I'm cautiously optimistic. The fly ash filling in abandoned mines is long overdue - we've been breathing dust for years! But will they actually implement it or just another meeting? The railway infrastructure part is crucial too; our coal transportation often gets stuck. Also appreciate that they're looking at advanced tech for mineral analysis - we need to move beyond old methods. Hope MCL and others take this seriously. 🙏
This is classic bureaucratic theatre - another high-level meeting with multiple ministries. The Sasubahumali Bauxite block has been pending for ages. While I support mineral development for economic growth, we must ensure that projects don't get stuck in inter-ministerial delays. The CM Sampada initiative seems well-intentioned but needs a clear timeline and accountability. Otherwise it's just another acronym.
Great to see Odisha taking the lead in mineral development! 471 million tonnes is no joke. The integrated approach with DMF and CSR funds can really transform mining areas if done right. But why does it always take a CM meeting to expedite forest clearances? These should be streamlined as a routine process. Also, please focus on skill development for local youth in mining operations - employment should benefit the affected communities first. 😊
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