Tata's in Sukinda Mines

The iron ore deposits in Mayurbhanj were linked with a railway line to Tatanagar (Jamshedpur's railway station located on the main line between Howrah and Mumbai). This trend of a strong bond between the steel plant at Jamshedpur and the mineral deposits in Orissa has continued and has been reinforced in the 20th Century. For example, though the Gourmahisani deposits are now exhausted, the 3.5 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) steel plant at Jamshedpur still depends on iron from Orissa. Tata Steel's major source of iron ore at present is located in Joda, Khondbond. After acquiring the mining lease at Joda in the state of Keonjhar in 1925, Tata Steel gradually developed it to a large-scale mechanised mine supplying high quality iron one to the steel plant. Over the years, Joda has developed into a unique township with all modern amenities – in fact, it has become a model for others to emulate.

People at work at Belpahar in 1959

To use manganese ore, the Steel Company introduced a Ferro-manganese plant at Joda. The Company has also acquired some fireclay lease in the district of Sambalpur. Fireclay was initially used for making refractory bricks at Jamshedpur, but later, a refractory plant was established in the vicinity of the fireclay deposits at Belpahar. A subsidiary company, Belpahar Refractories (later renamed Tata Refractories) was set up. This plant has grown into a large refractory complex and is now one of the leading refractory manufacturers in India.

Tata Steel also pioneered some other major initiatives in Orissa; for example. It was the first to introduce steel wages in its mines and provide all amenities, such as housing, electricity, water, medical facilities, etc. to the employees who essentially came from Orissa. Tata Steel was the first to introduce provident fund and gratuity in Orissa before it became mandatory. For employee's welfare, Tata Steel encourages sports, family initiative measures and other such activities.

In fact, it has become traditional in Tata Steel not to look upon Orissa only as a source of raw materials but the Steel Company has woven itself into "the fabric" of this "wealthy" state. Examples of how this mosaic has been "crafted" will now be presented.