Odisha Gears-up To Increase Share In National Steel Production From 58 to 70 Percent

Bhubaneswar, Apr 26 (KNN) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has presented an ambitious vision to position Odisha as India's premier destination for investment in mineral-based industries, with particular focus on transforming the state into a steel manufacturing powerhouse.

Addressing industry leaders at the 'India Steel-2025' conference in Mumbai on Friday, Majhi emphasised that steel represents the foundation of Odisha's industrial landscape. 

The state plans to auction an additional 22 blocks by March 2026. With national iron ore consumption projected to reach 340 million tons by 2030-31, Odisha aims to supply nearly 240 to 245 million tons, increasing its share of national production from 58 percent to 70 percent.

The state currently leads the nation in both crude steel and stainless steel production, housing 54 integrated steel plants with a combined installed capacity of 41.21 million tonnes per annum. 

According to the Chief Minister, Odisha aims to more than triple this production to exceed 130 million tonnes annually by 2030.

"The state has played a pivotal role in the success of the steel sector in the country, accounting for more than 55 percent of the iron ore production. My home district Keonjhar alone contributes over 50 percent of Odisha's iron ore production and numerous companies have flourished through their mining operations in the district," Majhi stated.

Since the 2015 amendment to the MMDR Act, Odisha has successfully auctioned 44 major mineral blocks, with eight more blocks currently in the auction process containing reserves of approximately 323 million tonnes. 

Beyond iron ore, the Chief Minister highlighted Odisha's significant contribution to other mineral sectors, noting that the state's 16 operational coal mines account for 24 percent of India's total coal output. 

During the previous fiscal year alone, Odisha produced 178 million tonnes of iron ore, 269 million tonnes of coal, and 3.18 million tonnes of chromite.

Majhi emphasised that his government is now prioritising a shift from raw material extraction to value creation. 

"Odisha is developing a full-fledged metal-based manufacturing value chain that will promote industries in engineering goods, transport systems, mining machinery, and components for aerospace and defence. Come, invest in Odisha and be part of the Samruddha Odisha growth story which has already begun," he urged.

The Chief Minister assured potential investors of comprehensive support systems including land availability, transportation infrastructure, utilities, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. 

He noted that Odisha is currently experiencing substantial infrastructure development across multiple sectors, attributing this progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047.

During the conference, Majhi also engaged with industry stakeholders from various sectors. Representatives from leading chemical companies including Dow Chemicals, Epsilon Carbon, Kothari Petrochemicals, and Deepak Fertilisers discussed potential investments and expansion plans. 

Additionally, the CMD of S Kant Pharmaceuticals explored possibilities for developing the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the state.

(KNN Bureau)