Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s mineral resources, which rank among the richest in India, are a compelling case for establishing a branch of the Indian School of Mines University (ISMU) in the state. The logic is simple—just as Assam secured a Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) branch due to its oil wells and refineries, Odisha should do the same based on its vast mineral output.
In fact, Odisha leads India in the production of several critical minerals. A 2009-10 report showed that the state’s mineral production was valued at ₹15,317 crore, accounting for a substantial 13.10% of the total mineral value in India. In contrast, states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and even Assam lag behind. Odisha boasts 95% of the country’s chromite deposit, 92% of its nickel ore, and significant percentages of bauxite and iron ore. With such diversity in its mineral wealth, the state should naturally have an ISM branch, much like how Dhanbad, once the leader in coal output, secured the first campus.
The value of Odisha’s minerals has risen sharply over the years. From ₹3,694 crore in 2002-03, it soared to ₹15,317 crore by 2009-10, coinciding with a global boom in mineral markets. This immense growth further solidifies Odisha’s case for hosting an institution that specializes in mining and mineral studies. The state’s iron ore production alone in 2009-10 was a staggering 79.7 million tonnes, valued at ₹7,976 crore, making it the most valuable of the minerals produced. This is followed by coal and chromite, essential minerals not only to Odisha’s economy but to India’s industrial ecosystem.
Addressing Environmental and Employment Concerns
However, the mining boom has not been without its challenges. While mineral production has risen, employment in the sector has declined, especially among Odisha’s tribal population, which makes up a significant portion of the mining workforce. Between 2005-06 and 2009-10, direct employment in the mineral sector in the state dropped from 55,764 to 43,705 due to a shift towards capital-intensive technology. Establishing an ISMU branch in Odisha could help address these issues by producing research and solutions tailored to local challenges, focusing on sustainable mining practices that could rejuvenate employment in the sector.
The need for such an institution becomes even more evident in light of recent controversies surrounding coal block allocations in Odisha. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed concern over the unilateral decisions made by the central government regarding coal block allotment without considering the state’s environmental and infrastructural needs. Odisha is already grappling with the effects of coal mining on its environment—deforestation, air pollution, and water contamination due to sulfuric acid from open-cast mining. A specialized institution like ISMU could offer research and solutions to mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring that Odisha’s mineral wealth is tapped sustainably.
The Urgent Case for ISMU in Odisha
When ISM was established in Dhanbad in 1926, it made sense as the region was a leading coal producer. Today, Odisha’s mineral wealth, from iron ore to chromite, makes it the ideal location for an ISMU branch. Such an institution could spearhead advanced research in sustainable mining, help reduce environmental degradation, and even contribute to solving the unemployment crisis in the sector.
The establishment of a second RGIPT campus in Assam shows that such decisions are possible. Odisha, with its mineral-rich landscape, should push for an ISMU branch in one of its mining hubs—Keonjhar, Joda, or Angul. This would ensure that the state gets the research and educational infrastructure necessary to tackle its unique challenges and capitalize on its mineral wealth.
Additionally, Odisha’s coal block issue highlights the need for a comprehensive regional plan. The state cannot afford to jeopardize its environmental stability and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and fishermen, who are already bearing the brunt of climate change exacerbated by coal-fired power plants. Establishing an ISMU campus could facilitate the development of technologies to balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability.
A Roadmap for Odisha’s Future
As Odisha’s civil society and government work together to resolve pressing issues like the Malkangiri situation, the push for an ISMU campus should remain a priority. The state’s economic future, its environmental sustainability, and the well-being of its people all depend on striking the right balance between industrial progress and environmental conservation. Establishing an ISMU branch in Odisha will not only boost the state’s educational infrastructure but also ensure that it remains at the forefront of sustainable mineral exploitation in India.
