Mining Remains Odisha’s Mother Industry, Says Hemant Sharma
Rare Earths, Sustainability and Innovation Take Centre Stage at Odisha Mining Expo
Rare Earth Show to Debut from Next Edition, Positioning Odisha as a Global Rare Earth Hub
Bhubaneswar (Odiha Tazanews) :- The four-day 4th Odisha Mining & Infrastructure International Expo 2026, held from January 8 to 11, 2026 at Baramunda Ground, Bhubaneswar, concluded successfully today, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a key hub for mining, infrastructure, and industrial development. The grand event was organised by Futurex Trade Fair and Events Pvt. Ltd. in association with Laghu Udyog Bharti, Odisha Chamber of Commerce, and IPICOL, and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators from across India and overseas.
The valedictory and closing ceremony was graced by an eminent panel of dignitaries including Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha; Shri S. R. Samal, Managing Director, KCC; Shri Dipti Ranjan Patnaik, prominent industrialist of Odisha; Shri Sarada Bhusan Mohanty, CMD, IREL; Shri Siddhanta Mohapatra, MLA, Digapahandi; Shri Sabyasachi Mishra, renowned Ollywood actor; along with Swami Prem Anweshi, Chairman, Futurex Group; Shri Namit Gupta, Director, Futurex Group; and Dr. T. K. Chand, Ex-CMD, NALCO and Chairman of the Organising Committee.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Swami Prem Anweshi, who invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannatha and Lord Shiva, marking an auspicious beginning to the concluding day’s seminar. Addressing the gathering, Dr. T. K. Chand expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, exhibitors, and participants.
He stated that the 4th International Mining & Infrastructure Expo has set global benchmarks, featuring over 250 participants across 30,000 square metres of exhibition space. He emphasised the Expo’s strong focus on net-zero initiatives, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable mining, urging visitors to explore the stalls and witness cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of the sector.
Shri Sarada Bhusan Mohanty noted that the large footfall witnessed over the past three days reflected the strong interest and relevance of the Expo. Sharing insights from his decades-long experience in Odisha, particularly in beach sand mining and rare earth mineral extraction, he highlighted the state’s vast rare earth mineral potential. He stressed that responsible extraction can significantly support advanced technologies, clean energy transitions, employment generation, and overall economic growth of Odisha.
Emphasizing on the growing national and global focus on critical minerals, the organisers announced that from the next edition onwards, a dedicated “Rare Earth Show” will be organised alongside the Odisha Mining & Infrastructure International Expo. This initiative is driven by the vision to position Odisha as a leading hub for the rare earth industry, fostering investment, innovation, value addition, and sustainable development in this strategically important sector.
Shri Dipti Ranjan Patnaik said true entrepreneurship lies in continuous learning and perseverance, highlighting the ‘5 Ps’- Prarthana, Prayasta, Pratiksha, Prerna and Pratigya and noting that platforms like the International Mining Expo foster innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial excellence.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Shri Hemant Sharma said that the future of Odisha is in safe hands and the state is now pressing the accelerator towards rapid and inclusive growth. Thanking Swami Prem Anweshi for organising the Expo, he observed that with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Odisha is richly endowed with underground resources.
As mining continues to be the mother industry of the state, the government is strongly promoting the sector with a clear focus on sustainability and responsible development. He further noted that the Expo reflects a larger vision of employment generation through mining and infrastructure, highlighting that several rare earth industries have visited Odisha in the last 15 months, signalling promising outcomes for the state’s industrial future.
The event also witnessed the distribution of awards to distinguished individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to industry and society. Among those honoured were Ms. Jayshree Mohanty, Managing Director, Luminous Info; Shri Yagyasish Mohapatra, Past District Governor, Rotary Club; Shri Sudhansu Sekhar Mohanty, Vice Chairman, Organising Committee; Dr. S. R. Samal, Managing Director, KCC and several others, with all dignitaries collectively presenting the awards.
The successful conclusion of the 4th Odisha Mining & Infrastructure International Expo 2026 marks another milestone in Odisha’s industrial journey, fostering collaboration, showcasing innovation, and strengthening the roadmap towards sustainable, technology-driven growth in mining and infrastructure sectors.
