Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with mine leaseholders and industrialists, urging them to increase iron ore production to meet rising demand.
The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, focused on strengthening industrialisation and ensuring an adequate supply of raw materials for steel and allied industries.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government will extend all necessary support to facilitate higher production and dispatch, keeping in view the minimum obligations under MDPA. He called on industrialists to establish more units in mineral-rich districts where industries remain limited, thereby creating employment opportunities and boosting local economies.
Majhi also directed stakeholders to pay attention to the basic needs of local residents while expanding operations. He assured that the facilities required for production growth will be provided by the government. A database is being prepared to share information on land availability for compensatory afforestation across districts, enabling leaseholders and industrialists to plan projects effectively.
To accelerate mining activities, the government has prepared an annual auction calendar for 2026–27, ensuring the timely auction of mineral blocks.
Indian Steel Association President and MP Naveen Jindal thanked the Chief Minister for his commitment to industrial development in Odisha. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, and Additional Chief Secretaries Saswata Mishra and Hemant Sharma, attended the meeting. Industry leaders from Tata Steel, JSW, AMNS India, OMC, and others also participated.
