Odisha possesses one of the country’s largest mineral resources. The state possesses most of the nation’s iron ore, bauxite, coal and other main minerals. The experts say that making good use of these resources could turn Odisha into an important industrial center. Yet, a recent white paper found that the state has tapped only a small amount of its available minerals.
A retired IAS officer, Dr Jayadev Sarangi, presented a report titled “Mining Odisha’s Potential: Powering India’s Journey to Atma Nirbharta and Prosperity”, that was prepared by AIDENT (An Initiative for Development & Empowerment). It clearly indicates that Odisha is in a time of change. If action is taken now, the state can offer great help to its citizens and the country.
Odisha’s Strategic Advantage
The state’s mineral wealth makes a significant difference in its economy. It holds:
- 35% of India’s supply of iron ore
- The majority or 59%, of mined bauxite is found in Australia.
- There is a huge supply of coal, manganese and chromite.
Minerals are essential materials for the development of steel, aluminium, the power industry, transport and defense. With its mineral resources, Odisha may take the lead in producing mineral goods.
What’s Holding Odisha Back?
Traditionally, there are many mineral resources here, but Odisha hasn’t fully acknowledged their commercial value. The paper highlights a number of concerns that exist.
- There are still plenty of untapped mineral-rich parts of the world.
- Mining licenses are granted slowly, only after a lot of paperwork and delays.
- Minerals are normally sent out of the country in a raw state, with few being turned into finished products inside the country.
- The wealth from Odisha’s resources is taken to other places and the jobs and industries are located there too.
- Gaps: Policies implemented by the government have stopped Odisha from growing as much as it should have.
Because of these problems, Odisha has not been able to lead in mining and industry.
A Call for Bold Reforms
The white paper strongly urges the state to make bold changes. It suggests that Odisha must stop focusing only on mining and start thinking about how to use its minerals to build industries and create jobs. The report offers a clear action plan, split into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
Short-Term Goals (1–2 years)
- Speed up the process of mining auctions.
- Make it easier and faster to get regulatory approvals.
- Reduce delays and simplify rules to attract private investors.
Medium-Term Goals (2–5 years)
- Develop special mineral corridors for better transport and logistics.
- Build industrial clusters for downstream industries like aluminium and steel processing.
- Support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can use these minerals to make products locally.
Long-Term Goals (5+ years)
- Make Odisha a national hub for green aluminium, eco-friendly steel, and critical minerals.
- Invest in research and innovation to build high-tech industries.
- Set up world-class institutions for mining and mineral processing.
Huge Opportunities Ahead
The white paper highlights one key example: unlocking bauxite reserves in Kalahandi and nearby districts. If done properly, this alone could:
- Help more than 10,000 small and medium businesses
- Create around 4 million jobs
- Attract billions of dollars in investments
This shows how mineral wealth, if used smartly, can change lives and boost the local economy in a big way.
Learning from Other States
The report also points out that states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have become industrial leaders, even though they don’t have as many natural resources as Odisha. Their success comes from good planning, quick decision-making, and strong support for industries.
Odisha can do the same—and even better—if it learns from their strategies. The key is to move away from just digging and selling minerals, and instead build factories, research centers, and modern industries in the state itself.
A Now-or-Never Moment
“This is a now-or-never moment for Odisha,” the report says. It adds that the focus must be on “transformation—converting God-given resources into people-centric growth.”
Dr. Sarangi praised the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and said that his strong vision can help guide Odisha through this important phase. With the right policies and support, Odisha can become a model for inclusive industrial growth and development.
The Road Ahead
If Odisha follows this roadmap, it could become one of the most developed states in India. But to get there, it needs:
- Strong political will
- Fast decision-making
- Support for local entrepreneurs
- Investment in education and training
- Protection of the environment
By making these changes, Odisha can ensure that future generations enjoy not just the minerals in the ground but also better jobs, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life.
Conclusion
Odisha is standing at a crossroad. The choice is between continuing as a raw material supplier or becoming a global leader in mineral-based industries. With its rich resources and the right reforms, Odisha can create a bright future for its people and play a key role in India’s growth story.
