BHUBANESWAR: State-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) on Thursday started production in Jiling-Langlota and Guali iron ore mines to cater to the raw material needs of the state-based industries.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Union mines minister Pralhad Joshi jointly inaugurated the production in the two new iron ore mines through videoconference.
Rajya Sabha member Ashwini Vaishnaw was also present on the occasion.
The Centre recently approved the proposal of the state government to reserve two iron ore blocks in favour of the OMC within a short span of time of 25 days.
The two blocks have consolidated iron ore reserves of 275 million tonnes, said official sources.
“The state government has taken many advanced steps in mining sector. The integrated mines and mineral management system (i3MS) has been introduced to keep a tab on mineral transportation. Recently, we have successfully auctioned several major mines in the state,” said Naveen on the occasion.
The chief minister said Odisha has witnessed massive growth in mining and metal sector while the state has the potential to be a key centre for aluminium and other metal industry.
Naveen emphasized that both the Centre and state should work in coordination to explore the growth potential in the state in the mining and metal sector. “Odisha has always supported reforms in mining sector,” said Naveen.
The chief minister also lauded the OMC for starting production in the two mines in short span of time. Commencement of ore production from the mines assumes significance as several sponge iron industries and small steel plants face acute shortage of raw material.
The two mines are targeted to produce 12 million tonnes of iron ore annually, which will increase the OMC’s production to 20 million tonnes.
The Union mines minister said these blocks will help in stabilizing the supplies for small industries and will generate huge employment opportunities in the state. “The two iron ore mines will generate approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 crore of annual revenue for the state,” said Joshi.
While assuring the state government of extending full support to enhance mineral production, the Union mines minister urged the chief minister to auction more mines and to expedite operationalize all non-working mines.