Bhubaneswar, May 16: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally commissioned the Dubuna iron ore mines during the 70th Foundation Day celebrations of the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
This event, held at OUAT’s Krushi Siksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar, underscored the state’s strategic push towards leveraging its vast mineral resources for inclusive and sustainable development.
Located in Odisha’s mineral-rich Keonjhar district, the Dubuna Iron Ore Mine had been inactive for several years. With an annual production capacity of 3 million tonnes of iron ore and 0.05 million tonnes of manganese, the mines holds a reserve of 25.77 million tonnes of iron ore and 2.6 million tonnes of manganese.
By reviving this mine, OMC not only aims to boost mineral output but also support downstream industries and generate employment in the region.
Speaking at the event, CM Majhi emphasized the importance of integrating mining with industrial development.
“We cannot rely solely on agriculture to drive our economy forward,” he remarked.
“To make Odisha a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous state, it is imperative to focus on manufacturing and industrial growth. Mines like Dubuna are crucial in this transformation,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is adopting a value-addition-based policy, encouraging mineral processing within Odisha to enhance revenue and job creation.
This includes facilitating raw material supply to industries through long-term linkage policies and a transparent e-auction platform, which already enables more than 80% of local industrial raw material requirements to be met.
In addition to reviving the Dubuna mines, CM Majhi also inaugurated a 900 kWp solar power plant at the Koida mining region.
As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister also awarded OMC’s best-performing mines across three categories: Best Mining Sector, Best Mine, and Safe Mine, for the years 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, who also addressed the gathering, reiterated the importance of OMC’s role in transforming Odisha’s industrial landscape.
“With 18 operational mines now under its wing, OMC is not just a mining entity but a driver of Odisha’s self-reliance,” he said.
He urged OMC officials and staff to continue their dedication to making the company more efficient, innovative, and impactful.
