OMC Celebrates 70 Glorious Years of Powering Odisha’s Progress

Bhubaneswar, May 16: Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) marked a major milestone by celebrating its 70th Foundation Day in Bhubaneswar. Held at the OUAT Agricultural Education Hall, the event reflected on OMC’s remarkable journey from a humble turnover of ₹1 crore in the 1960s to a record ₹23,600 crore in the 2024-25 financial year.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the chief guest, highlighted OMC’s vital role in Odisha’s economic and industrial rise. He announced the reopening of the Dubuna iron ore mine in Barbil, which will produce around 3 million tonnes of iron ore each year. He also proposed building an iron pellet plant to encourage value-added production in the mining sector.

The Chief Minister said Odisha must grow as a mixed economy, promoting both agriculture and manufacturing. He pointed out that the state holds over 41.9% of India’s mineral resources and praised OMC’s efforts in using these resources sustainably. He assured that the new government would follow modern strategies to bring more industries to Odisha, making better use of its raw materials.

Several new projects were launched at the event to modernise OMC operations. These include four IT-based systems – for logistics, finance, land use, and recruitment – that aim to make the corporation more efficient. A 900-kilowatt peak solar power plant was also inaugurated in the Koida mining area to boost green energy use.

OMC’s achievements in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) were also celebrated. The corporation has planted over nine million trees and continues to work on environmental conservation. It also supports education, healthcare, and sports in mining-affected areas.

Awards were given to the best-performing mines in categories like safety, productivity, and cleanliness for 2023-24 and 2024-25. A special magazine highlighting OMC’s CSR efforts was released during the event.

Mines and Steel Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said 18 OMC mines are now operational, helping Odisha become more self-reliant. He praised OMC for using advanced technology to improve production and urged employees to keep the momentum going.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg noted how Odisha’s economy has moved from weak to middle-income status by wisely using its natural resources. She stressed the need to adopt new technologies for long-term sustainability.

OMC Managing Director Sudhansu Mohan Samal delivered the vote of thanks, while all officers and employees of the Corporation took part in the celebration.