Odisha Sets National Benchmark with Platinum Group Metals Pilot Plant

The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has commended the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) for inaugurating India's first pilot plant dedicated to the extraction of platinum group metals (PGMs). The facility, based on minerals sourced from the Bangur chromite mine in Keonjhar, marks a groundbreaking advancement in the state's mining capabilities.

Established through collaboration with South Africa's Mintek, the pilot plant is stationed at the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology in Bhubaneswar. With a development cost of approximately Rs 10 crore, the plant is set to test the consistency and scalability of PGE concentrate, promising a revolutionary step for India in terms of resource extraction and usage.

Addressing OMC's 71st foundation day, Majhi highlighted the corporation's immense economic contribution, pointing to its Rs 25,000 crore turnover last year and advocating further expansion. He emphasized OMC's critical role in providing essential metals for clean energy, electronics, and modern automotive industries.

(With inputs from agencies.)