Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy to discuss enhancing the state’s mining sector and its economic contribution. Highlighting Odisha’s significant role in India’s mineral economy, the Chief Minister mentioned the state’s production of nearly 471 million tonnes of minerals in the 2025-26 fiscal year, generating revenue of about Rs 46,000 crore.
Majhi emphasized the necessity of increased cooperation from the Central government to further develop the mining sector. He urged the Union Minister to expedite forest and environmental clearances for auctioned mining blocks in Odisha and support the allocation of key mining blocks to the Odisha Mining Corporation.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of improving rail and port infrastructure for efficient mineral transportation and proposed using fly ash to fill abandoned coal mines for environmental reclamation. Additionally, he requested access to advanced technologies for mineral analysis and resource assessment.
Union Minister Reddy acknowledged the need for coordinated efforts among various ministries to address mining sector challenges. He suggested a high-level meeting involving relevant ministries and the Odisha government for a comprehensive approach. The meeting also focused on the development of mining-affected regions and the welfare of local communities.
