Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has produced over 30 million tonnes of ores in the last fiscal with a turnover of over Rs 14,000 Crore, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while laying foundation for the corporate office of the state PSU in the capital city here today.

The corporation is marching ahead and it is now the 4th largest mining company in the country, he added.

Spreading over 6 acres of land at Jayadev Vihar, this platinum rated green building will be a new landmark of the city. The design of the building has been very attractive and will add value to city’s beautiful landscape, said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in a statement.

The Chief Minister also laid foundations for the Drill Core Library and five Odisha Mining Adarsh Vidyalayas in the state.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister inaugurated seven Quality Control Labs, 10 Sample Processing Units, one Chrome Ore Beneficiation Plant of OMC on the occasion. He also flagged off six mobile health units.

The Chief Minister congratulated the OMC for leading by example in not only contributing to the economy but also to sustainable mining and spreading happiness amongst the people through its various people-centric development and welfare activities.

“Be it sports, health, education or periphery development, OMC has always put its’ best efforts in serving the society,” said the Chief Minister.

Expressing happiness over OMC’s welfare initiatives in mining areas, the Chief Minister said, “The OMC has set up five CBSE-affiliated fully residential schools for the students of the mining periphery. The Mobile Health Unit is an excellent initiative and will play important role in providing health care facilities at the doorsteps of the villagers around the operational areas of OMC.”

The Chrome Ore Beneficiation Plant at South Kaliapani and the Quality Control Laboratories at different operational areas will play in important role in adopting more transparency and quick dispatch of quality raw materials to the user industries, he added.

Speaking on OMC’s achievements in mining sector, the Chief Minister said, “Odisha is on the fore-front of adopting cutting edge technology and sustainable mining practices.”

He appealed to all stakeholders of the mining sector in the state to put more efforts for sustainable mining by adopting new initiatives of international benchmark.

Patnaik also appreciated OMC’s commendable support during the Covid pandemic. He wished OMC to touch new heights of excellence and establish itself as a globally acclaimed organization.

Speaking on the occasion, Steel & Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick praised the Chief Minister for his visionary leadership in taking Odisha to a new level with fast-paced transformation process.

Additional Chief Secretary, Steel & Mines department, DK Singh delivered the welcome address while OMC Managing Director Balwant Singh proposed the vote of thanks.