Bhubaneswar, Oct 15 (UDN): In a major push to strengthen Odisha’s critical mineral resources, the Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, to advance scientific research and mineral exploration across the State.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, brings together OMC, a wholly owned corporation of the Odisha government, and AMD, functioning under the Union government’s Department of Atomic Energy. The collaboration aims to identify and explore critical and strategic mineral resources through scientific investigations, technical cooperation and the sharing of expertise.
According to an official statement, the partnership will cover research, the exchange of scientific and technical information, knowledge sharing and exploration activities within OMC’s mining lease areas and other locations across Odisha. The initiative is also expected to encourage joint research, capacity building and the adoption of modern exploration technologies to improve the identification and assessment of mineral deposits.
The collaboration aligns with the Centre’s National Critical Mineral Mission, launched in January 2025 to secure a sustainable domestic supply of minerals essential for clean energy, technological advancement and strategic industries.
Critical minerals have assumed growing importance as India seeks to reduce dependence on imports, strengthen domestic supply chains and support emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced electronics and modern manufacturing. Enhanced exploration and the development of indigenous mineral resources are key to meeting these requirements and improving the country’s long-term resource security.
The Odisha government said the agreement marks an important step towards strengthening the State’s position as a major centre for critical mineral development and high-technology industries. By combining OMC’s mining expertise with AMD’s scientific and technical capabilities, the partnership seeks to expand exploration efforts and support the discovery of resources with strategic and industrial significance.
The initiative also reflects OMC’s focus on technology-led exploration, responsible mining practices and the development of mineral resources to meet future industrial requirements. Greater scientific understanding of Odisha’s mineral potential could help create opportunities for downstream industries while supporting the State’s broader industrial development objectives.
OMC is among India’s major mining companies, with operations involving minerals such as chromite, iron ore, bauxite, manganese and limestone. These resources supply key mineral-based industries, including steel, aluminium, sponge iron, pig iron, ferro-manganese and ferro-chrome manufacturing.
With the new agreement, Odisha aims to strengthen the scientific foundation of its mineral exploration programme and contribute to India’s wider efforts to build a secure, resilient and self-reliant critical mineral supply chain.
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