Odisha Leads in Bauxite and Iron Ore Production

The Ministry of Mines has released a new report showing that Odisha is leading the country in mineral production. In the year 2024–25, eight Indian states together produced 97.80% of all minerals in India. Odisha alone made up 43.49% of that total — the highest among all states.

The report also says that the value of minerals produced in the main mining states increased in 2023–24 compared to the previous year. In Odisha, the value of mineral production raise by 17.23%.

India produced 24.22 million tonnes of bauxite in 2024–25, which is 1.25% more than the year before. Odisha alone contributed 74% of this bauxite. Major companies like Utkal Alumina, NALCO, Odisha Mining Corporation, and Hindalco were the key producers in the state.

When it comes to iron ore, India produced 277.83 million tonnes in 2024–25, and Odisha again led the way by contributing 55% of it. Odisha also produced 17% of the country’s manganese.

From 2015 to 2024, a total of 442 mineral blocks were auctioned across India. Out of these, 48 blocks were in Odisha.

The state also earned a large amount of money from mining. Odisha received ₹17,959 crore from mining royalties in 2021–22 and ₹10,823 crore in 2022–23.

To stop illegal mining, task forces have been set up in 22 states, including Odisha. The report also mentions that the Odisha government has created special rules under Section 23C of the MMDR Act, 1957, to stop illegal mining.

The central government is using satellite technology to track illegal mining. This system is called the Mining Surveillance System (MSS), which started in 2016. It is currently working in Odisha and other states with high mining activity.

In 2024, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) inspected 131 mines in Odisha to review mining plans. The report also states that three mining plans from Odisha were approved in the same year.