Mumbai, April 25: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today invited investors to tap into the state's vast resources and growing steel sector.
Speaking to industry leaders at the ‘India Steel 2025’ conference in Mumbai, Majhi emphasized Odisha's crucial role in India's steel production and outlined the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for industrial growth.
CM Majhi described Odisha as the "Mother Industry" of steel, given its pivotal position as the largest producer of iron ore in India, contributing over 55% of the nation's total production.
He noted that his home district, Kendujhar, alone accounts for more than 50% of Odisha’s iron ore output. This strong resource base, he assured investors, will continue to support the growing steel industry in the state.
Majhi highlighted several initiatives taken by the state government to support the sector, including the successful auctioning of 44 major mineral blocks since 2015. He mentioned that Odisha is in the process of auctioning additional blocks, with plans to auction 22 more by 2026, ensuring the availability of minerals required for the steel sector’s expansion.
“By 2030, Odisha will contribute around 240 to 245 million tons of iron ore, which will account for nearly 70% of India's iron ore consumption,” Majhi said. He further emphasized that Odisha houses some of the country’s largest coal mines, collectively contributing 24% of India’s total coal production.
The Chief Minister assured investors that the state will continue to provide sufficient minerals such as iron ore, coal, and limestone to meet the growing demands of the steel industry. He also pointed out that Odisha currently leads India in the production of crude steel and stainless steel, with 54 integrated steel plants and a total installed capacity of 41.21 million tons per annum.
Looking ahead, Majhi set an ambitious goal for Odisha’s steel production to exceed 130 million tons by 2030, a target that will require 190 million tons of iron ore within the state. The government is committed to ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to achieve this goal.
In addition to raw material availability, the CM highlighted Odisha’s progressive policies, including the Long Term Linkage Policy, which ensures a transparent and timely supply of vital raw materials. He also spoke about the state’s focus on building a robust metal-based manufacturing value chain, ranging from raw materials to high-end engineering products.
“Ours is a model of resource extraction transitioning into value creation,” Majhi stated, underlining the state’s Vision 2036 for industrial development, which includes strengthening both upstream and downstream linkages and promoting sectors like engineering goods, mining machinery, and defense.
Majhi also stressed that industrial growth must be accompanied by social development. The Odisha government is making significant investments in education, healthcare, housing, and skills development to ensure that workers and their families benefit from the industrial boom.
He pointed to the significant infrastructure investments being made in the state, including upgrades to railways, highways, airports, and ports, as well as the establishment of new logistics hubs and industrial clusters.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to all of you to be part of Odisha’s remarkable transformation. Invest in Odisha and be part of the Samruddha Odisha growth story,” Majhi said, encouraging the steel and metal sector to partner with the state in its journey towards industrial prosperity.
