Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today held a strategic meeting with Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla to review the progress of the group’s ongoing and proposed investments across Odisha.

The meeting provided a platform to discuss the implementation of major projects being undertaken by the corporate house in Odisha and identify measures for their timely facilitation. Discussions also focused on further expansion of the Aditya Birla Group’s presence in sectors where it does not currently have significant operations in the state.

A major outcome of the meeting was the group’s proposal to expand its greenfield alumina refinery project at Kansariguda in Kashipur Tehsil of Rayagada district. The project is being developed by Hindalco Industries Limited.

Total capacity of the refinery to go up to 3 million tonnes

The refinery was initially envisaged with a capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum and an investment of approximately Rs 8,000 crore. Considering the long-term potential of the project and the proactive support extended by the state government, the group has proposed an additional investment of approximately Rs12,000 crore to enhance the refinery’s capacity by another 2 million tonnes per annum.

With the proposed expansion, the total capacity of the Kansariguda refinery will increase to 3 million tonnes per annum, with an overall investment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore. The project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment and create further opportunities for local enterprises, service providers and downstream industries.

Welcoming the proposal, the state government said, “Odisha’s mineral strength must translate into greater value addition, advanced manufacturing and quality employment within the state. Aluminium is central to this vision. We intend not only to lead the country in alumina and aluminium production but also to build a globally competitive ecosystem across the entire value chain, from refining and primary metals to downstream and advanced products. The expansion of the Kansariguda refinery will further strengthen this momentum and reinforce Odisha’s position as India’s leading metals and metallurgy hub.”

CM assures support to the company’s expansion plan

The Chief Minister assured the group of continued support from the state government for the timely implementation and expansion of its projects. He emphasised that the government would work closely with the company to facilitate land, infrastructure, utilities, statutory approvals and other project requirements through a coordinated approach.

The meeting also reviewed the group’s existing and proposed investments across aluminium, alumina, chemicals, cement, renewable energy, textiles and apparel.

Discussions further covered possible investments in copper refining, copper-clad laminates and printed circuit boards, technical textiles, paints, jewellery manufacturing and advanced aluminium products.

The expansion of the alumina refinery is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s position as a leading destination for metals, mineral processing and value-added manufacturing.