Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Centre expands rare earth exploration in Odisha, eyes ORSAC-ISRO link
The leaders of India's science department and the state of Odisha met to talk about science.
They want to find more rare earth minerals in Odisha, which are used to make phones and computers.
The idea for these minerals came from India's yearly money plan, the Union Budget.
They also want to make a biology research lab in the city of Bhubaneswar bigger.
Scientists there can study living things and help the environment.
Odisha is next to the ocean, so experts can also study sea life and ocean resources.
Seven schools and universities in Odisha are working together on this.
The leaders may also join the state's satellite center with India's space agency, ISRO.
Satellites can help farmers with crops and help find minerals in the ground.
This way, the state and the national government can work together on big science projects.
Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh met Odisha counterpart Krushna Chandra Patra in New Delhi to discuss expanding rare earth exploration under the 'Rare Earth Corridors' announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar was expanded by 50 acres on top of its existing 8 acres, enabling Odisha's participation in the Bio-E3 Project.
The ministers discussed integrating Odisha's ORSAC with ISRO and developing a space research and manufacturing facility in the state through a public-private partnership.
Talks covered the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), which brings together seven of the state's major research institutions.
Odisha's Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026-2036) and India's Deep Ocean Mission were noted as complementary efforts for marine resource development.
- Who
- Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh and Odisha Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra
- What
- The Centre will expand rare earth elements exploration in Odisha, with discussions on ORSAC-ISRO integration, marine biotechnology, and a larger Institute of Life Sciences
- When
- The ministers met on Tuesday; the Rare Earth Corridors were announced in the Union Budget 2026-27
- Where
- New Delhi (meeting), with the initiatives focused on Odisha and Bhubaneswar
- Why
- To integrate Odisha's science and technology initiatives into a broader national roadmap covering rare earths, marine sciences, biotechnology, and space research
- Rare Earth Corridors
- Announced in Union Budget 2026-27; exploration to expand in Odisha
- Institute of Life Sciences expansion
- 50 acres added to existing 8 acres in Bhubaneswar
- OMBRIC
- Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor, launched last August, linking 7 state research institutions
- ORSAC
- Odisha Space Applications Centre, established 1984 at Bhubaneswar; possible ISRO integration discussed
- Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission
- 2026-2036; aims to unlock offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential
- Proposed space facility
- Space research and manufacturing facility in Odisha via public-private partnership