Viksit Odisha / OMC Signs MoU with AMD to Boost Critical Mineral Exploration in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, to strengthen research and exploration of critical minerals in the State, officials said.

The agreement brings together OMC, a wholly owned corporation of the Odisha government, and AMD, which functions under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Union government. The partnership aims to accelerate the identification and development of critical and strategic mineral resources in Odisha through scientific collaboration and modern exploration techniques.

According to an official statement, the collaboration is aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission, launched by the Government of India in January 2025 to secure a sustainable supply of minerals essential for the country's clean energy transition, technological advancement and strategic sectors.

Under the agreement, OMC and AMD will collaborate on research, exchange scientific and technical information, share expertise and experience, and explore critical minerals within OMC's mining leases and other areas across Odisha.

The partnership will focus on the adoption of modern exploration technologies, scientific studies, knowledge-sharing initiatives, capacity building and joint research. These efforts are expected to support the discovery and development of mineral resources that are increasingly important to emerging technologies and industrial applications.

The National Critical Mineral Mission seeks to reduce India's dependence on imports, strengthen domestic mineral value chains and improve the country's global competitiveness. Expanding domestic exploration is a key component of efforts to secure reliable supplies of minerals required by advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

The Odisha government said the agreement reflected OMC's commitment to technology-driven exploration, responsible mining and the development of mineral resources suited to future industrial needs. It also expressed confidence that the partnership would help strengthen Odisha's position in the critical minerals sector and support the growth of high-technology industries.

OMC is among India's major mining companies, with operations involving chromite, iron ore, bauxite, manganese and limestone. Its mineral output caters to industries such as steel, aluminium, sponge iron, pig iron, ferro-manganese and ferro-chrome.

The agreement marks another step towards expanding Odisha's mineral exploration capabilities and supporting the national objective of greater self-reliance in critical mineral resources. The outcomes will depend on the progress of joint research and exploration activities and the identification of commercially and strategically significant deposits.