Odisha Government Plans to Auction 30 Iron Ore Mines to Boost Steel Production

The Odisha government is set to auction around 30 iron ore mines this year, aiming to bolster the steel manufacturing sector. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met with the Indian Steel Association to address concerns regarding raw material availability and discussed strategies to enhance steel production in the state. With ambitious targets for the future, Odisha is positioning itself as a key player in India's steel industry, aiming for significant production increases by 2030 and beyond. This initiative is part of a broader vision to achieve prosperity by 2036 and contribute to a developed India by 2047.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2025, 20:12 IST

Odisha's Initiative to Enhance Steel Manufacturing

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha administration announced on Thursday its plans to auction approximately 30 iron ore mines within the year, aimed at supporting local steel manufacturers.

This commitment was made by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a meeting with a delegation from the Indian Steel Association (ISA), headed by President Naveen Jindal, at the Lok Seva Bhawan.

In response to the steel producers' concerns regarding the challenges in sourcing raw materials, the government confirmed the auction plans, as stated in an official release.

Additionally, efforts are underway to expedite mining operations from previously auctioned sites.

The discussions also focused on how the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) could supply iron ore to steel companies at favorable rates.

Majhi emphasized the necessity of boosting steel production within the state during his dialogue with the ISA representatives.

He outlined the state's vision to achieve prosperity by 2036, coinciding with the centenary of its establishment, and to serve as a catalyst for a developed India by 2047.

Highlighting the mining and steel sectors' potential to significantly contribute to Odisha's prosperity, Majhi reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring that companies receive the necessary raw materials and support.

He assured that comprehensive discussions would precede the provision of all required facilities to steel manufacturers.

The meeting also revealed that India's current steel production stands at 165 million tonnes annually, with a target to escalate this figure to 500 million tonnes by 2047.

Odisha is recognized as the leading producer of both iron ore and stainless steel in India, housing 54 integrated steel plants with a combined capacity of 41.21 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), according to the release.

The state aims to achieve a steel production target of 130 MTPA by 2030, necessitating around 190 million tonnes of iron ore.

"Odisha will maintain a crucial role in enhancing the nation's steel output," Majhi stated, adding that measures are being implemented to facilitate steel companies in acquiring iron ore and related services at competitive rates.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and other senior officials.