Odisha achieves historic milestone in domestic strategic mineral processing
Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) successfully initiated trial operations at its Platinum Group Mineral (PGM) pilot plant today, marking a leap toward domestic production of these rare elements. Located at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) in Bhubaneswar, this facility focuses on extracting high-value metals from ores sourced from the Bangur Chromite Mines in Keonjhar.
Strengthening National Resource Security
India currently depends almost entirely on imports for Platinum Group Elements (PGE) like palladium and rhodium. These materials serve as the backbone for green hydrogen cells, advanced electronics, and catalytic converters. By developing an integrated beneficiation and smelting unit, OMC aims to reduce this foreign dependency. This ₹10 crore research initiative, executed alongside South African mineral experts Mintek, validates whether large-scale extraction remains viable under continuous operating conditions.
Local Impact and Global Standards
Keonjhar has long served as India’s iron and chromite hub, but this development elevates the region into the specialized field of "critical minerals" necessary for 21st-century technology. Engineers designed the 1-tonne-per-hour plant based on field data gathered in late 2025. This project ensures that low-grade ores, previously considered waste, now contribute to the national economy.
Future of Mineral Processing
Successful testing confirms that Odisha possesses the technical infrastructure to handle complex metallurgical challenges. Moving forward, the data collected here will guide the construction of India’s first full-scale integrated PGE facility.
