OMC achieves breakthrough in PGM extraction; completes pilot plant trial at CSIR-IMMT

New Delhi: Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) has successfully conducted the trial run of a Platinum Group Minerals (PGM) pilot plant at CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, marking a significant step towards developing India’s first integrated Platinum Group Elements (PGE) facility.

Follow The PSUWatch Channel on WhatsApp

The pilot plant has been set up to extract Platinum Group Elements, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, from ore sourced from the Bangur Chromite Mines. The successful trial underscores progress in India’s efforts to enhance domestic capabilities in critical and strategic minerals.

Developed under a Rs 10 crore, two-phase research and development programme led by OMC, the project has been undertaken in collaboration with CSIR-IMMT and Mintek. The initiative aims to establish an integrated facility for beneficiation and smelting of PGEs within the country.

The 1-tonne-per-hour pilot plant is expected to play a key role in validating the consistency and scalability of PGE concentrate under real-time operating conditions. The design and operational framework of the plant have been informed by joint field studies carried out by OMC, Mintek and CSIR-IMMT teams at Bangur Mines in October 2025.

PGEs are critical for a range of applications, including clean energy technologies, electronics and the automotive sector, making them strategically important for India’s industrial and energy transition goals.

Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN

The successful trial shows OMC’s focus on innovation in mineral processing and positions Odisha as an emerging hub for advanced mineral technologies, while contributing to strengthening India’s critical mineral security and reducing import dependence.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)