Bhubaneswar, 3 November 2025: Leading experts, policymakers, and social advocates have urged immediate policy action to unlock Odisha’s vast bauxite reserves, describing it as the missing link in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. Speaking at a national webinar jointly organised by AIDENT and FIJEEHA, participants called for time-bound mine operationalisation and downstream development, positioning Odisha as a cornerstone of India’s aluminium and critical minerals strategy. The discussion followed AIDENT’s White Paper, “Mining Odisha’s Potential: Powering India’s Journey to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Prosperity”, which identified bauxite, iron ore, and coal as key enablers of inclusive industrialisation. Experts highlighted that unlocking Odisha’s bauxite reserves could generate 2.4 million jobs and empower 10,000 MSMEs through local manufacturing and green industrial clusters. Dr Umesh Jena, Former Additional Director of Mines, Government of Odisha, stressed the urgency of expanding mining capacity. “Delay in mine operationalisation is depriving local populations of socio-economic benefits such as DMF, royalty, and tax revenues,” he said, calling for time-bound expansion to secure raw materials and employment. Dr Dukhabandhu Sahoo, Associate Professor of Economics, IIT Bhubaneswar, pointed out that India imported Rs 110 billion worth of bauxite in the past five years despite Odisha holding one of the world’s largest reserves. “Strategic state interventions can transform regional economies and help Odisha achieve its goal of a Viksit Odisha by 2036,” he noted. Dr Kapila Khemundu, Head, Department of Sociology, Central University of Odisha, emphasised community participation in mining-led growth. “Communities must be partners in progress, not observers. The State should expedite public hearings and Gram Sabhas to enable responsible expansion,” he said. Mr Deba Mohanty, Vice President, Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict, underlined the importance of sustainable mining practices, while Mr Sanjeev Kumar, Regional Director, AIDENT, said, “Odisha is on the cusp of becoming India’s aluminium capital. Collaboration between government, industry, and communities is key to realising this potential.” Key Challenges Identified Delay in environmental and mining approvals and Gram Sabha proceedings Infrastructure and logistics gaps Policy unpredictability affecting investor confidence Limited local participation and skills in mining regions Suggested Solutions Time-bound mine opening and expansion with simplified approvals Creation of Green Aluminium Parks and downstream clusters Skill development and MSME linkages in mineral districts Transparent frameworks ensuring community participation and benefit-sharing Experts concluded that Odisha’s bauxite sector holds the key to achieving India’s goals of self-reliance, sustainability, and inclusive industrial growth.