| |
 |
| |
|
| |
Orissa, situated on the eastern seaboard of India is one of the gifted states example of geographic land mass with similar type of diverse and rich mineral wealth is extremely rare. The state is gifted with large reserves of bauxite, china clay, chromite, coal, dolomite, fireclay, graphite, gemstones, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, mineral sand, nickel ore, pyrophylite and quartz. Recent discovery of diamond in the Dharambandha area of Nuapada district by the State Directorate of Geology has added a coloured feather in the cap of the state. Other minerals of the state include copper ore, lead ore, vanadiferous magnetite, talc, soapstone and high magnesia igneous rocks, etc. Recent boom of the mineral industry has turned the state in to a hotspot, with entrepreneurs from all over the World crowding in the state for their share of fortune.
Orissa has a lion share of the Country's mineral reserves. The chromite, nickel, bauxite, iron ore and coal resources of the state respectively stand at a staggering 98, 95, 70, 26 and 24 percent of India's total reserves. Some of these minerals also account for a visible spot in the world's mineral map.
A very dynamic State Government has also left no stone unturned in cashing in on the attention it has been getting from the business houses in recent times. The visionary Chief Minister of the state with his view on the future development of the state has signed more than fifty MoUs with various companies to setup mineral based industries, which is supposed to provide value addition to the mineral wealth thereby augmenting employment, wealth and prosperity.
Several mineral based industries have already come up in the state. The major ones include Rourkela Steel Plant; Alumina refinery and smelter of Nalco at Damanjodi and Anugul; Charge chrome plants at Baminipal, Bhadrak, Choudwar and Theruvali by OMC, FACOR, ICCL and IMFA respectively; Mineral sand separation unit at Chhatrapur by IRE. Many cement and sponge iron plants have been set up. Coal based thermal power plants have been set up by Talcher, Kaniha and Banaharpal. Captive thermal power plants have also been set up by NALCO, RSP, ICCL, INDAL etc. and many more are in pipeline.
Orissa offers bright opportunity for a flourish in several other mineral sectors including gems and coloured stones. Largely unnoticed and ignored till date, the gemstone sector of the State is all set for a takeoff, as entrepreneurs are planning to add value to this invaluable gift of nature to the region.
The state's mining revenue during 2006-07 amounted to approximately Rs 937 crores. Export of ores and minerals from Orissa is mostly confined to iron ore and chromite. There is good scope for export of other minerals from the state as there is adequate infrastructure support with well connected roads, railway and ports. New ports are coming up at Dhamra and Jatadhari in view of the ever increasing burden of cargo in the state. A favorable geological setup, a compassionate State Government and availability of infra structural support makes the state an investor's paradise.
The iron ore fines are being exported to china, south korea etc through Paradip & Haladia port.
|
|
|
|
|
