Odisha

Odisha is a state on the eastern coast of India, bordering the Bay of Bengal. Its capital is Bhubaneswar, which also serves as its main administrative and commercial centre. The state's economy is heavily reliant on mining and metals, underpinned by extensive deposits of iron ore, bauxite, chromite and coal. Odisha is one of India's leading producers of iron ore and bauxite, feeding both domestic steel and aluminium industries and export markets. Major cities include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and the industrial port city of Paradip, which handles significant mineral and commodity trade. The state's mineral wealth has attracted large public and private-sector investment in mining, metals processing and power generation, including operations linked to companies such as Coal India. Odisha also has a coastline that supports port infrastructure important for exporting bulk commodities. Agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, remains significant in rural areas, alongside a growing focus on industrial development. The state government has sought to position Odisha as a hub for critical minerals and downstream processing, aligning with national policy on resource security. Historically an agrarian region, Odisha has transformed over recent decades into one of India's key mining and heavy-industry states.