Bhubaneswar, December 16, 2024: The Sijimali Bauxite Block, spread across Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha, holds immense potential to transform the region’s social and economic landscape. Owned by Vedanta Aluminium, the project is seen as a milestone in empowering tribal communities and accelerating development in two of the state’s most resource-rich yet underserved districts.
To ensure structured and sustained growth, Vedanta has committed Rs 1,200 crores over the next 25 years through the Lanjigarh Periphery Area Development Fund (LPDAF) and the soon-to-be-formed Sijimali Periphery Area Development Fund (SPDAF). Both funds will function under Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that include local public representatives, giving the people a direct role in shaping the region’s future. This approach ensures accountability and inclusiveness in implementing projects that will touch lives for generations.
The mine is expected to generate Rs 2,200 crores annually for the state exchequer, creating a strong financial backbone for Odisha’s long-term development goals. Over the life of the mine, this revenue will enable the government to expand infrastructure, improve connectivity, and strengthen welfare programmes designed to uplift the local population. Such a steady stream of income is projected to support Odisha’s developmental priorities for the next fifty years.
Equally important is the creation of livelihood opportunities. The Sijimali project will generate more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, ensuring steady incomes for families in the surrounding areas. Alongside this, Vedanta plans to establish Vocational Training Centres and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. These initiatives will help young men and women gain modern skills, fostering self-reliance and equipping them to pursue entrepreneurship. Together, these programmes are expected to reshape aspirations and give a new dimension to community development.
Sustainability remains a central pillar of the project. Vedanta has emphasized that tribal communities will be partners in progress, with initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and social infrastructure. At the same time, ecological preservation will not be overlooked. The company has reiterated its philosophy of treating nature as a stakeholder. The existing green cover around the mine will act as a natural bio-filter, preventing erosion while protecting biodiversity, including local flora and fauna.
Looking ahead, the Sijimali bauxite mine is poised to redefine the mining ecosystem, not just in Odisha but at the national level. Vedanta’s visionary approach combines economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental care. By balancing development with sustainability, the project promises to script a historic legacy; one that empowers people, protects traditions, and ensures long-term prosperity for the state.
