Interviewtimes 
Diversified home grown business conglomerate MGM Minerals showed its propensity for an ennobling cause by donating Rs one crore towards the development of Srimandir Parikrama Project of Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.
The cheque was presented to Dr Krishan Kumar, Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The donation by Pankaj Lochan Mohanty has been made from the CSR fund of the company. Mohanty was accompanied by Saroj Kumar Ray, Advisor to the company.
MGM Group is majorly known for its operative businesses in the iron and steel sector. “We have 1.5 million tonnes of iron ore mines annually. We are producing quality iron ore. It has been given a 6-star rating by the Indian Bureau of Mines and has been rated as ISO 75001: 2014, IS4O 9001: 2015, IS4O 18001: 2015”, says Mohanty.
The company is on its way to expand footprint. “At Nimidha in Dhenkanal, we have installed a 350-tonne sponge iron and a 4-megawatt power plant. We are converting the plant into a mini-steel plant, employing 1,000 people directly to produce 40.25 million tonnes of steel TMT rods and wire rods”, Mohanty added.
Apart from its core competencies in iron and steel business, MGM Group is foraying into the green energy space. It has plans to set up a 10 MW solar power project. We are also setting up a garment factory recruiting more than 1,000 women. There are big plans for the weaving sector. We will also set up a new unit at Bhadrak Weaving Park. Besides, our company plans to set up an ethanol factory in Boudh district.
MGM is also quite active in the field of high-tech horticulture and agriculture processing. One of its affiliates has been connecting farmers with customers since 2013, processing vegetables, supplying processed vegetables to various institutions, and selling vegetables online.
But for all the bevy of corporate achievements, Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is not just the hard-nosed business honcho. He has earned this adorable reputation of being the ‘Good Samaritan’, extending his helping hand and reaching out to people in distress. Also, he is a culture enthusiast. “History accounts for our state’s rich cultural heritage. This reflects in our ancient temples as well. So, we have decided to spread our culture and heritage abroad and I am personally involved with various cultural institutions in the State”.
Of late, MGM’s interest has diversified to sports as well. “Our company is the title sponsor of the Odisha T20 Cricket League. It is being organised by the Odisha Cricket Association in collaboration with the Twenty First Century Media (TCM). It is a great platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents and play for the State and country. People are watching the matches on Fancode website”, says he.
MGM is also in the process of setting up a sports academy in the state for which land identification has taken off. The objective of the proposed academy is to groom young talents as emerging athletes who will represent the country at international sports events.
And, in terms of spearheading CSR interventions, MGM is second to none. “Our company has set up MGM Chair Professor in Mining and Metal Engineering at IIT Bhubaneswar. Our company supports a variety of sports and cultural organisations. We regularly support the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). There are plans to set up a cardiac and neuro hospital near Bhubaneswar”.
The MGM Group is deeply committed towards Environmental Protection and Sustainability Development issues. The Group believes in leaving behind an everlasting legacy for others to follow.
