Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday informed the steel manufacturing companies that around 30 iron ore mines in the state are likely to be put to auction this year.The assurance was given by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi when a delegation of Indian Steel Association (ISA) led by its president Naveen Jindal called on him at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.Seeking to address the concerns of the steel makers over the difficulty in getting raw materials, the state government said that over 30 iron ore mines are likely to be auctioned this year, a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.At the same time, necessary steps are being taken to ensure early start of mining operation from the mines which have already been auctioned, it said.
Discussions were also held on how iron ore can be provided to steel companies at a convenient rate from the state-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).The Chief Minister told the ISA delegation that there is a need to increase steel production in the state. The state has set a goal to build a prosperous Odisha by 2036, when the state observes 100 years of its formation, and to become the growth engine of a developed India by 2047, he said.Stressing that the mining and steel sector will have a significant contribution to make Odisha prosperous, Majhi stated that his government has been emphasising the need to provide raw materials and other facilities to the companies that set up units in the state.The chief minister said that all facilities will be provided to the steel companies after thorough discussions.It was discussed at the meeting that the steel production in the country is 165 million tonnes per annum, and a target has been fixed to increase it to 500 million tonnes by 2047.The state government also informed the delegation that Odisha is the top producer of both iron ore and stainless steel in India, with 54 integrated steel plants, having a capacity of 41.21 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at present, the release said.The state has set a target to produce 130 MTPA of steel by 2030, and it would require about 190 million tonnes of iron ore.Stating that Odisha will continue to play a key role in increasing the country’s steel production, Majhi said that provisions are being made on how the steel companies can get iron ore and other related facilities at a convenient rate.Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
