Odisha CM Seeks Central Backing for Mining Growth

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in Bhubaneswar, urging more Central support to boost the state's mining sector. Discussions included forest clearances, infrastructure development, and sustainable mining practices. A multi-departmental meeting was proposed to tackle these challenges collaboratively.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi engaged in significant discussions with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy at Bhubaneswar’s Lok Seva Bhavan, advocating for strengthened support from the Centre to bolster the state’s mining sector, thereby enhancing its contribution to the national economy.

The CM emphasized Odisha's pivotal role in India's mineral economy, stating that in 2025-26, the state produced 471 million tonnes of minerals, generating approximately Rs 46,000 crore in revenue. He highlighted the necessity for expedited forest and environmental clearances for auctioned mineral blocks to propel the sector's growth.

Majhi also called for Central backing in allocating key mineral blocks to the Odisha Mining Corporation. Further, he stressed improving rail and port infrastructure for efficient mineral transport and proposed utilizing fly ash for sustainable mine management. A collaborative meeting among ministries is planned to tackle these issues holistically.