New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, to collaborate on the exploration and development of critical minerals across Odisha. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s domestic critical mineral supplies in line with the Government of India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and support the country’s drive towards self-reliance in strategic mineral resources.
Under the agreement, OMC and AMD will work together on research, the exchange of scientific and technical information, sharing of expertise, and exploration of critical minerals within OMC’s mining lease areas and other locations across Odisha.
OMC and AMD to Collaborate on Critical Mineral Exploration
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between OMC and AMD to accelerate the identification and development of critical and strategic mineral resources in Odisha.
The collaboration will focus on adopting modern exploration technologies, conducting scientific studies, exchanging technical knowledge, strengthening capacity and undertaking joint research initiatives. These efforts are expected to improve exploration capabilities and support the discovery of mineral resources essential for India’s industrial and technological development.
By combining OMC’s mining experience with AMD’s expertise in mineral exploration and research, the partnership aims to advance scientific exploration and contribute to the development of Odisha’s critical mineral resources.
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National Critical Mineral Mission Aims to Reduce Import Dependence
Launched in January 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aims to secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals required for India’s clean energy transition, technological advancement and strategic industries. The mission focuses on reducing dependence on imports, strengthening domestic mineral value chains and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in critical mineral resources.
Critical minerals are essential for several emerging and strategic sectors, including clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. Developing reliable domestic sources of these minerals is therefore important for supporting industrial growth and reducing vulnerabilities in supply chains. The OMC-AMD partnership aligns with these objectives by promoting exploration, research and development of critical minerals within Odisha.
Odisha Aims to Strengthen Its Position in Critical Minerals
The collaboration is expected to support Odisha’s emergence as an important centre for critical minerals and high-technology industries. Through scientific exploration, technology adoption and technical cooperation, the initiative aims to improve the identification and development of mineral resources across the state.
The agreement also supports India’s broader efforts to build self-reliance in critical mineral resources and establish stronger domestic supply chains for industries that depend on them.
OMC Records Highest-Ever Mineral Production of 44.82 Million Tonnes in FY26
Odisha Mining Corporation reported its highest-ever mineral production of 44.82 million tonnes in financial year 2025-26, reflecting its operational scale in the mining sector.
The corporation’s production performance included:
- Total mineral production: 44.82 million tonnes, the highest-ever recorded by OMC.
- Iron ore production: 40.02 million tonnes, registering year-on-year growth of 12.06%.
- Chrome ore production: 1.69 million tonnes.
- Bauxite production: 2.83 million tonnes.
- Total mineral sales: 42.524 million tonnes.
- Revenue: ₹25,300 crore, the highest-ever revenue recorded by the corporation.
These figures highlight OMC’s significant production and sales operations across key minerals. Its established mining capabilities could provide an important foundation for expanding exploration and development activities in collaboration with AMD.
OMC’s Role in India’s Mining and Industrial Sectors
OMC is a wholly owned corporation of the Government of Odisha and one of India’s major mining companies. Its principal minerals include chrome ore, iron ore, bauxite, manganese and limestone.
These minerals serve a range of industrial sectors, including steel, aluminium, sponge iron, pig iron, ferro-manganese and ferro-chrome manufacturing.
About Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC)
Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) is a wholly owned state government enterprise established to develop and manage mineral resources in Odisha. The corporation produces major minerals such as iron ore, chrome ore, bauxite, manganese and limestone, supplying raw materials to several key industries. OMC plays an important role in the state’s mining sector through mineral production, sales and revenue generation.
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