Odisha is endowed with vast resources of a variety of minerals and occupies a prominent place in the country as a mineral rich State. Abundant reserves of high-grade Iron ore, Bauxite, Chromite, Manganese ore along with other minerals such as Coal, Limestone, Dolomite, Tin, Nickel, Vanadium, Lead, Graphite, Gold, Gemstone, Diamond and Decorative Stone etc. are extensively available in the State. This has opened up immense possibilities for establishment of mineral based industries for manufacture of Steel, Ferro-alloys, Cement, Alumina/ Aluminium, Refractories, Thermal Power etc., along with setting up other auxiliary and ancillary downstream industries.

The Steel and Mines Department is the administrative Department of Directorate of Steel, Directorate of Mines, Directorate of Geology and Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd.

The Department of Steel and Mines, through application of modern technologies, strives towards sustained growth of the Steel and Other mineral based Industries in Odisha in a time bound and transparent manner. This will not only make Odisha a prosperous Industrial Hub, but at the same time will contribute to the overall growth and development of the state and the people of Odisha.

Objective

The department works for the development of the mineral resources of the State while ensuring effective regulatory mechanism. It also encourages and provides support for value addition and end use of minerals in the State, thereby creating facilities for employment, Socio-economic development and augmenting revenue generation for the State. The main functions and activities of the Department of Steel and Mines include systematic survey and assessment of the mineral deposits of the State, their exploitation, administration of mines and mineral concession, enforcement measures for prevention of illegal/ unauthorised mining and smuggling of minerals, assessment and collection of mining revenue. Moreover, the department facilitates study of the impact of mining and other operations on environment, formulation of appropriate environmental control measures and Research and Development for meeting the needs of mineral based industries in the State. The Department is also engaged in facilitation and investment promotion in the areas of the Steel and other iron ore based industries. The principal goal of the department is to provide necessary synergy and convergence of all Government efforts to build the state of Odisha as one of the fastest growing industrial hubs in India. While creating better prospects for the people of Odisha this will result in economic and social prosperity of the state.