Odisha to set up Mineral Exploration Corporation

BHUBANESWAR: The state government is all set to form Odisha Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (OMECL) as per the Odisha Mineral Exploration Policy- 2015 for identification of new mines and minerals in the state.

This was decided in an inter-departmental coordination meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretariat Aditya Prasad Padhi here on Friday.  The meeting deliberated on various facets of the structure and functioning of the proposed Corporation.

The objectives of the Corporation, modalities for formation, magnitude of its works, staffing pattern, funding provisions, etc. were discussed in the meeting

It was decided that the Corporation would be a subsidiary company of OMC.

“The proposed corporation would principally be a promotional agency, some revenue earning provisions be incorporated in it from the beginning., “ said Padhi.

Accordingly, it was decided that the Corporation could extend the services of scientific exploration and analysis to other States and agencies on payment basis.

Replying to a media quarry after the meeting, Principal Secretary Sri Sharma said that “There is a need for formation of the Corporation as per the Odisha Mineral Exploration Policy- 2015 for identification of new mines and minerals in the State. The suggestions arrived at in the meeting through common deliberation will soon be put to Govt for consideration.

Available data shows that Odisha has around 700 Sq, Kms of virgin and free hold area which is supposed to be bearing the minerals like asbestos, bauxite, china clay, cobalt, chromites, fireclay, graphite, limestone, manganese, mineral sand, nickel, platinum group materials ( PGM), tin ore and vanadium apart from coal and iron ore. Till now,  explored mines account for around 7% of the Gross Domestic Product of the State. The vast reserves of minerals have substantial scope for enhanced contribution to State’s GDP.