Bhubaneswar, May 13: A delegation from the World Bank Group on Wednesday held a strategic meeting with Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior state officials to explore ways to strengthen the critical minerals value chain in Odisha and across India.

The discussions centered on potential areas of collaboration, including the development of critical mineral processing parks, mineral production, investment promotion, logistics infrastructure, industrial corridors, skill development, and technology integration. Officials emphasized the need for a robust and globally competitive critical minerals ecosystem in Odisha, achievable through coordinated efforts involving the central and state governments, along with industry stakeholders.

The meeting also highlighted Odisha’s growing role in the emerging critical minerals sector, which is considered vital for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and strategic industries.

Officials present included Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel & Mines Department,  Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Department ; Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Department, and Principal Secretary of Finance Department,  along with secretaries from multiple departments.