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Bhubaneswar: In the last three years, Odisha has exported 4,18,79,050 metric tons of iron ore to China, generating substantial revenue for the state. This information was provided by Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
According to the Minister, the revenue earned from these exports amounts to Rs 2,418.85 crore. Break down of the earnings:
2022-23: Rs 321.08 crore
2023-24: Rs 1,086.96 crore
2024 (Till March 10): Rs 1,119.10 crore
The significant rise in revenue from iron ore exports highlights Odisha's crucial role in India's mineral trade.
The Minister also informed the House that multiple districts in the State have gold reserves.
Significant gold deposits have been identified in Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Angul, and Koraput, the Minister told the Assembly. Additionally, initial surveys indicate the presence of gold mines also in Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh districts, the minister said in the Assembly
Also Read: Gold reserves found in multiple districts in Odisha: Minister in Assembly
Odisha is preparing to auction its first gold mining block in Deogarh, marking a historic shift for the state's mineral sector. The GSI and Odisha Mining Corporation are concurrently investigating Mankadachua, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda in Keonjhar for gold potential. Technical committees will evaluate final exploration reports before recommending the next steps for commercialization.