OMC Signs MoU With Hindalco to Secure Raw Material Supply for Kansariguda Alumina Refinery

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindalco Industries, solidifying a long-term commitment to provide essential raw materials for the Kansariguda project located in the Rayagada district. This significant agreement was signed by OMC’s Managing Director, Balwant Singh, and Hindalco’s Managing Director, Satish Pai, in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The collaborative effort aims to expedite the construction of a two-million-ton alumina refinery in Rayagada.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed the importance of this moment in Odisha’s industrial journey, emphasizing the state’s ambition to become an eastern industrial hub. He invited all stakeholders to participate in this transformative journey, highlighting the synergy between business growth and socio-economic development, with Odisha serving as a shining example.

The Chief Minister also urged the local community in Rayagada to extend their support to the refinery project to initiate construction promptly, bringing positive changes to the lives of the local residents.

In June 2023, the Government of Odisha introduced a Long-Term Linkage Policy of Minerals for Industries, facilitated by the Odisha Mining Corporation Limited, as part of their commitment to fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth and innovation. The MoU between OMC and Hindalco reinforces their dedication to making Odisha an attractive destination for industrial investments.

The Aditya Aluminum Limited Alumina Refinery in Kansariguda is a greenfield project with an investment of Rs 8,000 crore and is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities, showcasing the transformative power of the industry. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Aditya Birla Group for their partnership and belief in Odisha’s potential.

Pratap Dev, the Minister for Industries & MSME, emphasized the importance of community involvement in industrial projects and highlighted Odisha’s commitment to the development of tribal communities in mining-rich areas.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, participated in the MoU signing ceremony virtually and commended Odisha’s rapid industrialization under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visionary leadership. He praised the Odisha-Hindalco partnership as a model for holistic development and expressed confidence that the second refinery will follow a similar path, bringing more opportunities for livelihoods and socio-economic development.

The event also had the presence of VK Pandian, Secretary to CM (5-T), and featured welcoming remarks by Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries, and a vote of thanks proposed by MD IDCO. Chief Secretary PK Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, senior state government officials, and representatives from Hindalco were also in attendance.

Local residents of Kansariguda joined the program virtually, underscoring the community’s involvement in this significant project.