Indian Steel Association delegation meets Odisha CM, seeks priority iron ore supply for steel sector

A delegation of the Indian Steel Association (ISA), led by its President and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to discuss key issues impacting the state’s steel industry, including iron ore availability, infrastructure, and future expansion plans.

During the meeting held on April 7, the delegation highlighted Odisha’s critical role in India’s steel production and appreciated the state government’s continued support and infrastructure push for the sector. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg and top representatives from the Steel & Mines and Industries departments, were also present.

The ISA urged the state government and the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to ensure priority allocation of iron ore to industries operating within Odisha. It also stressed the need to scale up iron ore production to meet the growing demand of steel plants, particularly as the state targets a production capacity of 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030.

The delegation further sought fiscal incentives to attract investments required for expanding steel capacity and recommended the creation of a dedicated task force to develop a comprehensive logistics and infrastructure roadmap aligned with the sector’s growth ambitions.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Jindal said the state was witnessing rapid expansion in steel manufacturing and infrastructure development under the Chief Minister’s leadership. He also described Odisha’s mining policy and auction process as among the best in the country.

Jindal added that the delegation had emphasised the urgency of increasing iron ore production and requested preferential allocation for Odisha-based industries. The Chief Minister, he said, assured that there would be no shortage of iron ore for industries in the state.

Officials present at the meeting reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing industry concerns through coordinated efforts across departments.

The ISA delegation included senior executives from major steel companies such as Tata Steel, JSW Steel, AMNS, and Jindal Stainless, among others.

Commenting on the global situation, Jindal said initiatives like the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan would help shield India’s economy from potential external disruptions.

The meeting is seen as significant as Odisha continues to position itself as a key hub for steel manufacturing in the country, with growing investments and policy support aimed at strengthening the sector.