In a significant move to accelerate Odisha’s mineral economy, a high-level delegation from the World Bank Group held in-depth discussions with the state’s top officials today.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, focused on transforming Odisha into a global hub for critical minerals by building a robust, integrated value chain.
The World Bank team explored collaborative opportunities in setting up world-class mineral processing parks, boosting production, attracting fresh investments, modernising logistics, developing industrial corridors, enhancing skill development programmes, and adopting cutting-edge technology. Officials from both sides emphasised the need for seamless coordination between the Government of India, the Odisha Government, and industry stakeholders to create a future-ready, sustainable minerals ecosystem.
Senior bureaucrats who participated in the meeting included Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary (Steel & Mines) Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (Housing & Urban Development) Smt. Usha Padhee, and Principal Secretary (Finance) Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, along with secretaries from other key departments.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for strategic partnerships that will not only strengthen India’s critical minerals supply chain but also position Odisha as a leader in responsible and high-value mineral processing.
