Odisha's Iron Ore Bonanza: 30 Mines Up for Grabs

On May 15, 2025, the Odisha government announced plans to auction around 30 iron ore mines this year, addressing a major concern from steel manufacturers over raw material access.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during a meeting with the Indian Steel Association (ISA), led by its president Naveen Jindal, at the Lok Seva Bhawan. He assured the delegation that efforts are also underway to expedite operations from already auctioned mines.

The discussions also focused on facilitating iron ore procurement from the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) at affordable rates. Highlighting the critical role of mining and steel in Odisha’s development goals, Majhi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to driving national steel production. "Odisha will remain a key contributor to India's steel growth," he stated.

As the country's top iron ore and stainless steel producer, Odisha currently hosts 54 integrated steel plants with a combined capacity of 41.21 MTPA. The state aims to increase production to 130 MTPA by 2030, requiring around 190 million tonnes of iron ore annually. The meeting also noted India’s broader target to boost steel output from 165 MTPA to 500 MTPA by 2047.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.