The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad, which is part of the Union government’s Department of Atomic Energy, and the Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd (OMC), a fully owned company of the Odisha government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to work together on critical mineral research and exploration in Odisha. An official statement claims that the partnership is in line with the National Critical Mineral Mission, which was started by the Indian government to guaranty and secure a sustainable supply of vital minerals. In the official release, the state government also stated that OMC and AMD will work together in the areas of research, scientific and technological information exchange, experience and expertise sharing, and essential mineral exploration inside OMC’s mining leases and other areas in Odisha.
In order to guaranty and secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals (CMs), which are necessary for India’s renewable energy transition, technological advancement, and strategic sectors, the government of India announced the National Critical Mineral Mission in January 2025. The National Critical Mineral Mission seeks to improve global competitiveness, fortify indigenous mineral value chains, and lessen reliance on imports.
“The partnership aims to promote the adoption of modern exploration technologies, scientific studies, knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint research initiatives to accelerate the discovery and development of critical and strategic minerals in the State,” the statement further added.
This partnership supports India’s goal of vital mineral resource self-reliance while establishing Odisha as a major hub for high-tech industry and critical minerals. Notably, OMC is among India’s biggest mining corporations. In order to meet the needs of mineral-based industries such steel, aluminum, sponge iron, pig iron, ferro-manganese, ferro-chrome, etc., OMC primarily mines chrome, iron, bauxite, manganese, and limestone ore.
