Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), one of India’s largest state-owned miners, has reported robust growth in mineral output during FY 2025-26, led by a sharp rise in iron ore production. The latest performance data not only underscores improved operational efficiency but also reinforces OMC’s strategic role in supporting India’s expanding steel and infrastructure ecosystem.
As of 31 December 2025, OMC’s production trajectory places the PSU firmly on course to deliver its highest-ever annual output, provided momentum sustains through the final quarter of the fiscal.
FY26 Production Snapshot (April–December)
OMC’s cumulative mineral production during the first nine months of FY26 stood at 29.03 million tonnes (MT), reflecting a clear year-on-year improvement.
OMC Mineral Output – FY26 (Apr–Dec)
| Mineral | Production Volume |
|---|---|
| Iron Ore | 24.88 MT |
| Chrome Ore | ~0.49 MT |
| Bauxite | ~1.15 MT |
| Other Minerals | ~0.07 MT |
| Total Minerals | 29.03 MT |
Iron ore continued to dominate the output mix, accounting for nearly 86% of total production, highlighting its centrality to OMC’s mining portfolio.
Q3 FY26: Acceleration in Output
The production momentum strengthened significantly during Q3 FY26 (October–December).
Q3 FY26 Production Performance
| Metric | Q3 FY26 |
|---|---|
| Total Mineral Output | 12.94 MT |
| Iron Ore | 11.23 MT |
| YoY Growth (Q3) | ~31.5% |
This sharp year-on-year increase reflects operational normalization and scaling, following intermittent disruptions in previous years due to regulatory, logistical, and environmental constraints.
Key Drivers Behind OMC’s FY26 Growth
1. Operational Optimization
OMC attributes the production upswing to improved mine planning, smoother excavation cycles, and better deployment of heavy mining equipment across its key iron ore blocks in Odisha.
2. Technology-Led Efficiency
The integration of Fleet Management Systems (FMS) and Logistics Management Systems (LMS) has enabled:
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Higher equipment availability
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Reduced idle time
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Improved ore evacuation and dispatch planning
This digital shift has played a crucial role in sustaining higher run-rates across mines.
3. Safety and Compliance Stability
A stronger focus on safety protocols and statutory compliance has reduced operational interruptions, allowing continuous mining activity even during high-intensity production phases.
Strategic Significance for India’s Steel Value Chain
OMC’s rising iron ore output comes at a critical time for India’s metals sector:
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India’s crude steel capacity is expanding rapidly, with long-term targets of 300 MT by 2030
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Integrated and secondary steel producers continue to rely on stable domestic iron ore supply
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Public sector miners like OMC play a key role in reducing import dependence and price volatility
OMC’s FY26 performance complements national production efforts by peers such as NMDC and supports raw material security for eastern India’s steel clusters.
FY26 Outlook: Record Production Likely
With 24.88 MT of iron ore already produced by December, OMC appears well-positioned to close FY26 with a new all-time high in annual mineral output. Sustained mine productivity, favorable market conditions, and continued operational discipline will be key variables in the final quarter.
Key watchpoints for Q4 FY26:
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Weather-related mining continuity
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Logistics and evacuation efficiency
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Stability in domestic iron ore demand
Outlook
OMC’s FY26 performance marks a clear structural improvement rather than a cyclical spike. The combination of strong quarterly growth, technology adoption, and operational maturity positions the PSU as a reliable pillar in India’s upstream mineral supply chain. If current trends persist, FY26 is likely to emerge as a benchmark year for OMC in both volume and operational execution.
Sources
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PSU Watch
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Odisha TV
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Sambad English
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Indian Masterminds
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Ministry of Mines (India)