Rs 8000 crore titanium plant in Odisha to tap into rare earth minerals, create huge job opportunity

The Odisha government's High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, recently approved the establishment of a titanium complex in the Ganjam district.

The project, spearheaded by Orissa Metallurgical Industry Private Limited, involves an investment of Rs 8,000 crore and is set to produce titanium slag, titanium pigment, and titanium sponge. 

Notably, the initiative is expected to generate approximately 8,000 employment opportunities, giving a significant boost to the local economy.

Odisha's Mineral Wealth and Titanium Potential

Odisha is among the most mineral-rich states in India, with vast reserves of iron ore, bauxite, coal, chromite, and rare earth minerals.

The state's coastline, particularly in districts like Ganjam, holds significant deposits of ilmenite, a primary source of titanium dioxide.

By processing ilmenite into titanium products, the new titanium complex will add substantial value to Odisha's mineral resources, fostering industrial growth and technological advancement. 

The move further aligns with India’s broader strategy of reducing dependence on titanium imports and strengthening its domestic production capabilities.

Economic Impact and Employment Generation

With 8,000 direct employment opportunities and a ripple effect on ancillary industries, the project will contribute to job creation and skill development in the region.

It is also likely to attract further investments into Odisha’s mineral processing sector and position it as a key hub for industrial manufacturing.

Approval Process and Broader Investment Push

A total of ten industrial projects, amounting to over Rs 1.65 lakh crore, were approved across various sectors, including steel, aluminum, power generation, green hydrogen, engineering goods, and green energy equipment. 

In total, all of these projects are expected to create around 51,939 jobs across the state, marking rapid industrial diversification and economic growth.

Other major industrial investments

In addition to the titanium complex, the HLCA has approved several other high-value projects:

• Vedanta Limited plans to invest Rs 91,528 crore in the Rayagada district for a 6 MTPA alumina refinery and a 1.2 MTPA aluminum smelter, creating nearly 15,900 jobs.
• JSW Steel Limited will set up a 5 MTPA integrated steel plant in Keonjhar district with an investment of Rs 35,000 crore, expected to generate 8,000 jobs.
• Orissa Thermal Energy Limited is establishing a 2,400 MW ultra-supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in the Cuttack district, involving an investment of Rs 18,450 crore and creating employment for 8,100 people.

The titanium complex in Ganjam is a strategic step toward harnessing rare earth minerals and enhancing value-added production in the state.