Bhubaneswar: Experts Say Mining Can Bring Big Change for Odisha’s Economy

An important report regarding Odisha’s mining industry was launched at a meeting in Bhubaneswar attended by experts, business leaders, and ex-government officers on Monday. The report was named ‘Mining Odisha’s Potential: Powering India’s Path to Atmanirbharta and Prosperity’. AIDENT, a non-profit research group that examines development and policy, put the report together. The report adds that quantities of minerals such as iron ore and bauxite are very common in Odisha. India’s iron ore is held by the state in about 35% of the total mines and nearly 60% of its bauxite. Steel and aluminium are mostly made possible by these minerals. Experts say that Odisha can play a major role in making India grow and become stronger on its own, and Mining Can Boost Odisha’s Economy.

Former government official Jayadev Sarangi delivered a speech at the event. This is, he said, a critical juncture for Odisha. According to him, taking the right actions by the state now will make things better for people in the future. Surt said, I believe we owe future generations both rich soil and development.

From Raw Materials to Finished Products

Right now, most of the raw minerals from Odisha are sent to other states or countries. Finished products are made out of these minerals at different places. As a result, Odisha fails to use all its resources. A lot of work and business is being carried out elsewhere.

According to the report, Odisha should replace this approach with a better one. The state should transform the raw materials into products inside the country, instead of just sending them abroad. Setting up factories and assisting local companies allows Odisha to generate more work, make more profit, and speed up the growth of its economy.

According to Sanjeev K Singh, who works at AIDENT, this report is more than a simple document. It serves as a guide to make actual changes that will support the entire state.

Jobs and Small Businesses

A top thing to note from the report is how many jobs will be created by moving to better mining procedures. The correct use of bauxite could create around 2.4 million new jobs in Odisha. This initiative could also give more than 10,000 small to medium enterprises the opportunity to compete.

Dr. Radhika Mahapatra, one of the authors of the report, added, “This isn’t only focused on extracting mines from underground.” It focuses on using them well to serve families and the community.”

Building mineral corridors—special lines of road and rail joining mines with factories and ports—is recommended in the report. Moving things like raw materials would become both simpler and cheaper.

Helping Local Communities

The report also explains how mining has benefits for those who live nearby. There is a District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Odisha that collects money from companies that mine. The fund, which is over ₹12,000 crore, is intended to enhance the lives of those affected by mining.

In Rayagada and Kalahandi, the funds have been applied usefully. It has financed the building of schools, hospitals, and water systems. Even so, in many other places, the resources weren’t managed as they should have been.

According to the report, the state must ensure that all mining communities receive help from the fund. Community involvement should increase, and better arrangements should be set up, so more of the money becomes useful.

Supporting India’s Big Goals

The timing of this report couldn’t be better. The development of the Odisha economy is faster than the national rate. Led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state government has been working on development. Odisha is closely collaborating with Prime Minister Modi’s plan to get full value from all its resources, instead of shipping them out as raw goods.

Recently, at the Utkarsh Odisha event, leaders discussed how Odisha could help develop industries focused on green energy, smart manufacturing, and producing clean steel and aluminium.

“It is a wonderful time to be in Odisha,” said businessman Ankit Patnaik. “If the government goes ahead with this plan, we could serve as a role model for other areas of India.”

Problems to Solve

While the report is full of hopeful predictions, it identifies areas that require improvement. It is not possible to start mining or start construction on a factory until substantial time has been approved. The land-buying and environmental clearance process involves many difficulties. Such delays push away investors and make progress go slower.

People are also concerned about the impact on the environment. If mining is not carried out sensitively, it can damage forests, rivers, and health in those areas. According to Dr. Subhendu Nayak, an environmental expert, development matters, but we have to keep caring for nature too. All projects require solid environmental planning.

Looking Ahead

According to the new white paper, Odisha has the minerals, the people, and the opportunities to lead the mining and metal industry, not just domestically, but around the world. At this time, we rely on acting fast, having good plans, and supporting strong leadership.

If the state takes the points raised in the report seriously — simplifying rules, investing, managing resources better, and helping local people — it will have a bright and cheerful future.

By the close of the event, Jayadev Sarangi offered a summary that was enough. Things are not going to be simple, but we know what comes next. When the proper steps are taken, Odisha could lead the way in using its natural resources to achieve true prosperity.